ZTE and MediaTek complete 5G carrier aggregation using 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz

ZTE and MediaTek announced 5G carrier aggregation verification of 700MHz and 2.6GHz spectrum based on commercial terminal chips. The test occurred in Xi’an, China and used ZTE's commercial 5G wireless base stations and its latest 5G core network equipment, along with the 5G test terminal featuring MediaTek Dimensity 800U 5G-integrated SoC.

The companies verified dual-carrier aggregation of 30MHz over 700MHz and 100MHz over 2.6 GHz, achieving an effective downlink data throughput of 1.849 Gbps.

Committed to the development of 5G industry, ZTE has invested heavily in the development of 700 MHz products, and has actively cooperated with industry partners to accelerate the commercialization of the 700 MHz frequency band.

In addition to releasing a series of 700 MHz commercial products, ZTE has also completed 700MHz SA networks, 700MHz VoNR (Voice over New Radio), and the  end-to-end interconnection tests on 30MHz, so as to strengthen the integration of Sub 1GHz & Sub 6GHz as well as the application research on 700MHz.

Read More

GSMA: Mobile Broadband Growth is Key for the Americas

Mobile data traffic is predicted to rise more than sixfold in North America and tenfold in Latin America between 2014 and 2019, according to figures cited by the GSMA. As of September 2014, there were 216 million individuals using mobile devices to access the internet in Latin America, an overall penetration rate of approximately 35 per cent. By 2020, the GSMA forecasts that penetration will come close to 50 per cent of the population, which means an additional 105 million people will gain access to the mobile Internet.

The recent Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL) in Ottawa, which was held in preparation for this November’s World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15),  agreed to support the entire L-band (1427-1518MHz) for mobile broadband. Early indications suggest that this band will have widespread support as a globally harmonised band at WRC-15, driving economies of scale that will benefit consumers around the world.

“Mobile data traffic is predicted to rise more than sixfold in North America and tenfold in Latin America between 2014 and 20192. We urge all the governments of the Americas to make a clear call for the mobile spectrum needed to support future data demand and the region’s digital economy,” stated John Giusti, Deputy Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMA.

“The GSMA welcomes the strong leadership shown by the governments of North and Latin America and the Caribbean last week in supporting the growth of mobile broadband, a critical enabler to social and economic opportunity in the region. Many countries require connectivity across large rural areas and mobile broadband is often the only way – or at least the most cost-effective way – to ensure people have access to the Internet."

“We are also pleased with the progress made on the sub-700MHz UHF band (470-698MHz), critical for expanding affordable rural connectivity. Although there is no CITEL common proposal in support of this band for mobile, a growing number of countries want to ensure they have flexibility to deploy mobile broadband networks in this band. The GSMA will continue to work in concert with administrations in the Americas and other regions to advance a global multi-country proposal to the WRC-15 in November. Given the shared challenges of expanding rural connectivity in countries around the world, the GSMA urges governments from all regions to join this multi-country proposal in support of the sub-700MHz band."

http://www.gsma.com

Read More

GSMA Urges Europe to Support 700MHz

The GSMA is calling on the European Commission to support Member States’ requests for release of the 700MHz band, preferably between 2018 and 2020 and potentially earlier for markets that are able to release it sooner, such as Finland, France, Germany and Sweden.  The industry association hopes the EC will accelerate the review of the sub-700MHz band, as the mobile and broadcast markets are evolving quite rapidly, as demonstrated by ongoing 5G research programmes in Europe.

Anne Bouverot, Director General of the GSMA, commented on the release of the European Commission’s (EC) summary of the results of the Lamy Report public consultation: “Allowing for flexible use of the UHF band will also mean the EC will be one step closer to achieving its Digital Agenda objectives of providing high-quality mobile broadband to European citizens.”

“A co-primary allocation will give Member States full flexibility to use UHF spectrum for both mobile and broadcast in the future. If mobile data continues to grow as predicted, national governments will retain the option of reallocating more spectrum to mobile if required. This flexible solution will protect consumer interests by empowering people in Europe to choose how they want to access content. It also supplies long-term guarantees for the future of digital terrestrial TV in European countries that rely on terrestrial broadcast services, ensuring a robust future for both industries."

http://www.gsma.com/

Read More

Mexico Tests 700MHz LTE for National Broadband with ALU

Alcatel-Lucent is working with government of Mexico to trial LTE running in 700 MHz APT spectrum as the basis for a new national wholesale ultra-broadband mobile network initiative.

The "Red Compartida Project" aims to provide a 4G LTE mobile broadband wholesale offering service in the Digital Dividend spectrum for both existing services providers and licensed tenant operators.

The trial in the city of Acapulco uses Alcatel-Lucent’s LTE express solution for rates up to 120 Mbps and the company's latest Packet Microwave Radio solution as backhaul.

http://www.alcatel-lucent.com/press/2015/alcatel-lucent-and-mexican-government-conduct-4g-lte-field-trial-preparation-new-national-mobile-0

http://www.ift.org.mx/iftweb/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/COMUNICADO-48-IFT.pdf

Read More

Chile's Entel tets 700 MHz LTE with Ericsson

Entel, Chile's leading telecommunications operator, in testing the APT700 (Asia-Pacific Telecommunity 700MHz) spectrum in collaboration with Ericsson.

The trial was conducted by enabling 10 test sites with equipment using APT700 MHz frequency band on Entel's live 4G LTE network in Rancagua city, which is located 85 km south of Santiago de Chile.  The operator is expected to proceed with commercial deployment in 2015.

Antonio Büchi, CEO, Entel, said: "The APT700 band has the ability to provide excellent in-building coverage as well as wide area coverage in suburban and rural areas. We expect, once we have the release by the government, to deploy our nationwide network. Our customers will benefit from an LTE mobile broadband service featuring a combination of high speed, improved throughput and low latency, all of which combine to provide an enhanced user experience."

http://www.ericsson.com/news/1879150

Read More

Rogers Gains Funding for Purchase of 700 MHz Spectrum

Rogers Communications secured approximately $2.1 billion in funding for paying for 20 year licenses for two contiguous, paired blocks of lower band spectrum - acquired in the recent 700 MHz spectrum auction.  Combined with cash on hand, Rogers will pay $3.29 billion for the spectrum covering both rural and urban areas across Canada.

"We went after and won this spectrum because we know it will pay off for our customers for the next 20 years and likely beyond. Not only did we get the spectrum we wanted for our customers, but we have financed it with $2.1 billion of long term funding for up to 30 years at some of our lowest rates ever, with an average interest rate of just 3.9%. In addition, we have made this long term investment for our customers while maintaining our Baa1/BBB+/BBB+ senior credit ratings, which have been affirmed by each of Moody's, Standard and Poor's and Fitch, reflecting their confidence in the investment and in Rogers," said Anthony Staffieri, Chief Financial Officer, Rogers Communications.

http://www.rogers.com

Read More

Telstra Tests 700MHz LTE with Ericsson.

Telstra has successfully test APT700 (Asia-Pacific Telecommunity 700MHz) spectrum using Ericsson’s new APT700 radio equipment. This marks another important milestone in the introduction of new low band LTE frequencies and the development of the LTE ecosystem.

The first call on 700MHz was made on Telstra’s live network across two test sites in a regional location in Australia using a pre-release smartphone.

Mike Wright, Telstra Executive Director Networks, said: "This band of spectrum allows us to build the next generation of mobile services. Through this testing we are keen to understand how the network works with the 700 MHz spectrum, how commercial devices interact with the network and how we will be able to achieve faster speeds, more capacity and wider 4G coverage."

Håkan Eriksson, CEO Ericsson Australia and New Zealand, said: "This is the latest in a number of successful technology trials undertaken with Telstra aimed at readying the operator’s network for the release of APT700 digital dividend."

"The APT700 band has the ability to provide excellent in-building coverage as well as delivering wide area coverage in regional and rural areas, providing operators with increased capacity and performance, and users with a superior experience," Eriksson added.

http://www.ericsson.com
http://www.telstra.com

Read More

Las Vegas Pilots LTE Public Safety Net with Alcatel-Lucent

The Las Vegas Metro Police Department, along with the Nevada Department of Transportation and other first responders, conducted a six-month trial of a 4G LTE public safety network in partnership with Alcatel-Lucent.

The trial, which occurred in a designated section of Las Vegas, used 700 MHz Band 14 spectrum allocated to the First Responders Network Authority (FirstNet).  The network delivered real-time use of video gathered from the Las Vegas area, collaboration, real-time vehicle tracking, remote office applications, WiFi and a secure virtual private network (VPN) to trial participants.

Alcatel-Lucent provided an LTE eNodeB, a 7705 SAR-8 service aggregation Router, a 5620 Service Aware Manager (SAM), and a local Serving/Packet Data Network Gateway.  Axis Communications provided its ruggedized, vibration-resistant AXIS M3114-R Fixed Dome Network Camera.  CalAmp Fusion provided a multi-network LTE/FirstNet ready router with Wi-Fi. Cassidian Communications provided a Broadband Vehicle Router.

“For more than ten years Alcatel-Lucent and Bell Labs have been promoting the use of open standards-compliant commercial broadband technology to build a nationwide interoperable public safety network. Our work with the departments in Las Vegas is another step closer to our country having that network," stated Fred Scalera, Director, Public Safety Strategies of Alcatel-Lucent.

http://www.alcatel-lucent.com
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/category/firstnet

• In October he FCC adopted technical service rules, including power limits and other technical parameters, to govern the spectrum for First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) nationwide wireless broadband system.  The rules are intended to provide a foundation for FirstNet's operations, help avoid harmful interference to spectrum users in adjacent bands, and expedite the availability of equipment for use on the public safety network, thereby fostering competition and innovation in the marketplace.  The FCC has granted a license to FirstNet for the combined use of two spectrum blocks  -- one block that was previously designated for public safety use (763-768/793-798 MHz) and a second, spectrally adjacent block (758-763/788-793 MHz).  The FCC said this action consolidates the technical requirements governing both spectrum blocks into a uniform set of rules, which will provide vendors with specifications they need to develop equipment for use on this spectrum.

Read More

FCC and Carriers Resolve Lower 700 MHz Interoperability Issue

The FCC and mobile operators announced an agreement that resolves handset interoperability issues in the lower 700 MHz bands.

The FCC's Acting Chairwoman, Mignon Clyburn issued the following statement:

"After many frustrating years, wireless carriers have finally reached a voluntary industry solution that will resolve the lack of interoperability in the lower 700 MHz band in the most efficient manner. This is a big win for consumers, especially in rural areas, who will see more competition and more choices. Also, by making it easier for small wireless carriers to compete, today's interoperability solution will spur private investment, job creation, and the development of innovative new services and devices.  "That's why for the past few years, I have been consistent in pushing for a final resolution to this issue. Thank you to all the parties - AT&T, The Interoperability Alliance, The Competitive Carriers Association, DISH, and the consumer advocacy groups - who came to the table and worked collaboratively with FCC staff to hammer out a solution that benefits all consumers.

http://www.fcc.gov

Read More

Verizon Wireless Sells 700 MHz AWS Spectrum to AT&T

Verizon Wireless announced deals to sell some of its remaining lower 700 MHz band spectrum licenses. in certain western markets.  The deals include:

• the sale of 39 lower 700 MHz B Block licenses to AT&T in exchange for a payment of $1.9 billion, and the transfer by AT&T to Verizon Wireless of AWS (10 MHz) licenses in Los Angeles, Phoenix, Fresno, Portland, Oregon and other smaller market.
  
• the sale of lower 700 MHz B Block licenses covering the Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh-Durham markets in North Carolina to Grain Management, a Sarasota, Florida-based private equity firm that invests in the telecommunications sector, in exchange for a payment of $189 million.
  
• Verizon Wireless will lease from Grain Management an AWS license covering Dallas, Texas, which Grain is acquiring from AT&T.

Previously, Verizon Wireless has sold or agreed to sell 35 of its 77 lower B block licenses to 10 different entities, including transactions that were initiated prior to the sale process. The company also noted that its LTE in Rural America program has signed leases covering the upper 700 MHz C block spectrum with 20 rural operators to jumpstart the delivery of 4G LTE in rural areas.

http://news.verizonwireless.com/news/2013/01/verizon-wireless-spectrum-license-transactions.html

Read More

Motorola Solutions Wins $4M Public Safety LTE Contract in Texas

Motorola Solutions was awarded a $4 million contract to expand the Harris County, Texas Public Safety LTE wide area broadband network. Seven LTE sites will be added to the network for a total of 13 LTE sites delivering enhanced video and data capabilities along with expanded interoperability with Harris County’s existing ASTRO 25 Land Mobile Radio (LMR) system.


The deployment includes Real-Time Video Intelligence (RTVI) software, enabling live fixed or mobile video to be delivered to and from the field, as well as Broadband Push-To-Talk (PTT) software and servers to allow for increased PTT capabilities between LTE and Project 25 (P25) networks.

http://www.motorola.com

Read More

Verizon Wireless Announces Spectrum License Sale

Verizon Wireless announced plans to sell all of its 700 MHz A and B spectrum licenses, covering dozens of major cities across the country, as well as a number of smaller and rural markets. The company described the sale as a rationalization of its spectrum holdings. Its nationwide LTE network uses 700 MHz upper C spectrum. Verizon Wireless is also seeking to acquire additional AWS (Advanced Wireless Services) spectrum licenses from cable operators. It plans to use this AWS spectrum in conjunction with its 700 MHz upper C band spectrum to deploy additional LTE capacity. Therefore, the plans to sell the 700 MHz A and B spectrum licenses are contingent upon completing the AWS deal, which is currently under review by the FCC and Department of Justice.

Verizon Wireless obtained the 700 MHz A and B licenses, as well as nationwide 700 MHz upper C licenses (with the exception of Alaska which has since been acquired), in FCC Auction 73 in 2008.

The sale will be managed by Stephens Inc., an independent financial services firm based in Little Rock, Arkansas.

http://www.verizonwireless.com

Read More

Avago Releases High-Gain Linear Power Amplifier for LTE

Avago Technologies introduced a high-gain, high-linearity power amplifier for high-data-rate applications found in 700-800 MHz cellular infrastructure equipment. The new MGA-43128 amplifier features low distortion and high power added efficiency (PAE) that help reduce power consumption. RF input is fully matched while the output includes integrated pre-match circuitry for matching and application simplicity. An integrated bypass switch controlled attenuator provides up to 18.0 dB attenuation, and the device also has a temperature-compensated power detector on chip. Applications include LTE AP, CPE, and Picocell equipment and can also serve as a base station driver amplifier.
http://www.avagotech.com

Read More

Motorola Solutions Completes Phase 1 Public Safety LTE Tests

Motorola Solutions completed all sections of the Public Safety Communications Research Program (PSCR) LTE Demonstration Network Test Plan, Phase 1 in Boulder, Colorado.

Motorola supplied LTE infrastructure equipment, user devices and public safety applications to validate proper operation of the system.

Two additional testing phases remain: Phase 2 System and Node Level Testing, and Phase 3 Advanced Features, Conformance, Interoperability and Roaming Testing. Motorola is installing a Public Safety LTE core now and integrating other necessary equipment at the NIST Colorado facility in early 2012 to facilitate optimal Phase 2 and Phase 3 testing.

Motorola previously announced the first commercial release of standards-based LTE technology to public safety, with shipments beginning on Nov. 11, 2011. As Motorola continues to deploy LTE networks nationwide, participation with PSCR in their testing of Public Safety LTE equipment will continue as prescribed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help ensure interoperability between various LTE deployments using the Public Safety Spectrum Trust (PSST) block of spectrum. http://portal.motorolasolutions.com/portal/site/NGPS

 

Read More

Verizon Wireless Updates Specs for 4G LTE 700 MHz Devices

Verizon Wireless released updated specifications for wireless devices

-- traditional and innovative -- that will run on the nationwide Long Term Evolution (LTE) 4G network it is building on the Upper 700 MHz C-Block spectrum. The network access requirements contain key updates, clarifications and additions to guide developers into the next phase of bringing their LTE devices to the Verizon Wireless network.


Developers can access the specs online.


Verizon Wireless expects to commercially launch its LTE 4G network in up to 30 markets in 2010, covering 100 million people. In subsequent years, an equally aggressive growth plan will result in full nationwide coverage in 2013. The company's LTE network will ultimately connect a full range of electronics devices and machines.
http://www.verizonwireless.com/

Read More