GSA Evolution To LTE Report 011012 2

Evolution to LTE Report
October 1, 2012
Introduction
In the Evolution to LTE report, GSA presents the current situation based on GSAs current research, to provide the industry with facts and analysis about the global status and growth of mobile broadband enabled by LTE. The Evolution to LTE report is regularly updated and may be downloaded by any registered user of the GSA website. Information is provided about the LTE system both for FDD and TDD modes, technical standards, operator investments and commitments including listings of all network deployments, studies and trials, commercial service launches (see GSAs definition of commercial launch below), and regulatory developments including spectrum supporting LTE-enabled mobile broadband service network deployments. Details are also provided about LTE user devices which are available in the market or announced. Information for the production of this report was obtained in several ways, including from regular information exchanges and direct contacts by GSA with senior management in network operator organizations, regulatory authorities, suppliers and other stakeholders. This is in addition to consideration and analysis of public statements where appropriate e.g. company press releases and briefings, in order to establish the facts as accurately as possible and ensure that this report reflects the true LTE mobile broadband market situation. Comments about the report including news/updates should be sent to email info@gsacom.com GSA provides additional LTE-related resources to complement this report, including various maps and charts, which can be downloaded by registered site users at www.gsacom.com/news/statistics.php4 Selected charts and maps are also available as PDF files see the relevant links on our home page www.gsacom.com Readers may also download introduced short reports: these recently-
This report and all related materials and resources are the copyright of GSA Global mobile Suppliers Association. Any texts, images, layouts or other contents may not be copied or distributed, whole or in part, without the written consent of GSA, except for personal noncommercial use. For such purposes please contact the Secretariat by email to info@gsacom.com For further information www.gsacom.com/disclaimer.php4 please visit
LTE Market Summary October 1, 2012 105 commercial networks in 48 countries

351 operators investing in LTE in 104 countries
299 operator commitments in 93 countries 52 pre-commitment trials in 11 more countries
GSA forecasts 159 commercial LTE networks in 68 countries by end 2012 GSA forecasts 195 commercial LTE networks in 72 countries by end 2013
MVNOs are excluded
GSA October 1, 2012
GSA re-affirms LTE as the fastest developing mobile system technology ever LTE is entering a new phase as a mainstream technology by end 2012
GSAs definition of commercial launch: The phase in which a public telecommunications operator is carrying commercial traffic on its LTE network, or offers to provide public service. Only licensed operators with spectrum assigned for use in public LTE communications networks are considered. MVNOs are not included. The LTE operators business model may be retail or wholesale. Devices compatible for use on the LTE network may be sold direct by the operator to the customer, or via distributors, resellers or other third parties, or already be owned by persons wishing to use the service.
Status of the LTE Ecosystem report Status of the Global LTE TDD Market report Status of the Global LTE1800 Market report
October 1, 2012
105 commercial LTE networks, 48 countries

Country
Norway Sweden Uzbekistan Uzbekistan Poland USA Austria Sweden Sweden Hong Kong Finland Germany USA Finland Denmark Estonia Japan Germany Philippines Lithuania Latvia Singapore South Korea South Korea Germany Canada Austria USA Canada Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia USA UAE Australia Denmark Austria Puerto Rico Puerto Rico Kyrgyzstan Brazil Finland Uruguay USA Singapore Kuwait Armenia Bahrain Hungary South Korea Russia
Operator
TeliaSonera (NetCom) TeliaSonera MTS UCell Aero2 (LTE FDD and TDD) MetroPCS A1 Telekom Telenor Sweden Tele2 Sweden CSL Limited TeliaSonera Vodafone Verizon Wireless Elisa TeliaSonera EMT NTT DoCoMo Deutsche Telekom Smart Communications Omnitel LMT M1 SK Telecom LG U+ O2 Rogers Wireless T-Mobile Mosaic Telecom Bell Mobility Mobily (LTE TDD) STC (LTE TDD) Zain AT&T Mobility Etisalat Telstra TDC 3 AT&T Mobility Claro Saima Telecom Sky Brazil (LTE TDD) DNA Antel Cricket SingTel Viva Vivacell-MTS Viva Bahrain T Mobile KT Yota
Launch
14.12.09 14.12.09 28.07.10 09.08.10 07.09.10 21.09.10 05.11.10 15.11.10 15.11.10 25.11.10 30.11.10 01.12.10 05.12.10 08.12.10 09.12.10 17.12.10 24.12.10 05.04.11 16.04.11 28.04.11 31.05.11 21.06.11 01.07.11 01.07.11 01.07.11 07.07.11 28.07.11 07. 2011 14.09.11 14.09.11 14.09.11 14.09.11 18.09.11 25.09.11 27.09.11 10.10.11 18.11.11 20.11.11 24.11.11 09.12.11 13.12.11 13.12.11 13.12.11 21.12.11 22.12.11 27.12.11 28.12.11 01.01.12 01.01.12 03.01.12 15.01.12
Canada USA Japan Portugal Portugal Portugal Japan USA Croatia Croatia USA Australia India Angola Puerto Rico Moldova Sweden Hong Kong Hong Kong USA USA Netherlands Hong Kong Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Namibia USA Tanzania UAE Colombia Azerbaijan Czech Rep Mauritius UK Hungary Dominican R. Slovenia USA Oman Australia Mauritius Slovak Rep Hong Kong Russia USA Singapore Japan Japan Canada Denmark Philippines Luxembourg
TELUS Peoples Telephone Co-op

Softbank Mobile XGP/LTE TDD
TMN (Portugal Telecom) Vodafone Portugal Optimus eAccess US Cellular T Mobile/T-Hrvatski Telekom VIPNet Panhandle (PTCI) NBN Co (LTE TDD) Bharti Airtel (LTE TDD) Movicel Open Mobile IDC 3 (LTE FDD and TDD) China Mobile HK PCCW Cellcom Pioneer Cellular Vodafone Hutchison 3 HK Ziggo Tele2 KPN T-Mobile MTC BendBroadband Smile Du Une-UPM Azercell Telefonica O2 Orange UK Broadband (LTE TDD) Telenor Hungary Orange Dominicana Si.mobil Sprint Omantel (LTE TDD) Optus Emtel Telefonica O2 Smartone MTS (LTE TDD) C Spire Wireless StarHub KDDI Softbank Mobile MTS 3 Denmark Globe Tango
10.02.12 14.02.12 24.02.12 12.03.12 12.03.12 15.03.12 15.03.12 22.03.12 23.03.12 23.03.12 03. 2012 02.04.12 10.04.12 14.04.12 19.04.12 21.04.12 23.04.12 25.04.12 25.04.12 30.04.12 30.04.12 01.05.12 02.05.12 03.05.12 08.05.12 11.05.12 11.05.12 16.05.12 17.05.12 30.05.12 12.06.12 14.06.12 19.06.12 19.06.12 21.06.12 28.06.12 05.07.12 09.07.12 12.07.12 15.07.12 16.07.12 31.07.12 July 2012 02.08.12 28.08.12 01.09.12 10.09.12 19.09.12 21.09.12 21.09.12 25.09.12 28.09.12 28.09.12 01.10.12
October 1, 2012
The 3GPP LTE system, which comprises FDD and TDD modes, delivers capacity and data throughput enhancements and low latency to support new services and features requiring higher levels of capability and performance. The primary drive towards LTE from operators is the need for more capacity, performance management and improved efficiencies to lower the unit cost of delivering traffic. LTE is the next step in the user experience, enhancing more demanding applications such as interactive TV, mobile video blogging, advanced gaming, and professional services. LTE supports a full IP-based network and harmonization with other radio access technologies and is the natural evolution choice for GSM/HSPA, CDMA and WiMAX network operators, thereby enabling a single unifying global standard for even higher scale economies and simplifying roaming. LTE is a global phenomenon.
Uplink: average user throughput per MHz, 2-3 times Release 6 Enhanced Uplink E-UTRAN optimized for low mobile speed: 0-15 km/h. Higher mobile speed between 15-120 km/h should be supported with high performance. Mobility across the cellular network shall be maintained at speeds 120 km/h-350 km/h (or even up to 500 km/h depending on the frequency band) Spectrum flexibility: scalable to operate in 1.4, 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20 MHz allocations: uplink and downlinkpaired and unpaired Co-existence with GERAN/3G on adjacent channels; with other operators on adjacent channels; overlapping or adjacent spectrum at country borders; handover with UTRAN & GERAN
Spectrum for LTE deployments

Pressure on spectrum resources will continue. Operators should deploy the most efficient technologies available to them. LTE can be deployed in existing 2G or 3G bands, and in new spectrum such as 2.6 GHz and the Digital Dividend bands (700 or 800 MHz depending on the region). In the USA, LTE deployments are typically in 700 MHz and existing AWS (1.7/2.1 GHz) spectrum. There is strong demand in Europe, Asia and elsewhere to access new Digital Dividend spectrum for extended geographical coverage and improved in-building performance. Commercial LTE800 services have been launched initially targeting rural broadband needs. The main capacity band in most regions is 2.6 GHz. There is high interest in using re-farmed 2G spectrum for LTE, especially 1800 MHz, and in a few cases 900 MHz, as most regulators now adopt a technology-neutral approach. Initial LTE FDD deployments in Japan use 800/850 MHz, 1.5 GHz, 1.7 GHz and 2.1 GHz (operator-dependant). Design targets for first LTE deployments include: Instantaneous downlink peak data rate of at least 100 Mb/s within 20 MHz allocation (5 bps/Hz) Instantaneous uplink peak data rate of 50 Mb/s (2.5 bps/Hz within a 20MHz uplink allocation) Downlink: average user throughput per MHz, 3 to 4 times Release 6 HSDPA
LTE radio network products incorporate several features to simplify building and management of nextgeneration networks. Plug-and-play, selfconfiguration and self-optimization simplify and reduce network rollout and management cost. LTE is being deployed alongside simplified, IP-based core and transport networks that are easier to build, maintain and introduce services on. The 3GPP core network has also undergone System Architecture Evolution, optimized for packet mode and the IP-Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) to support all access technologies, including fixed access. This allows:

Improvements in latency, capacity, throughput Simplification of the core network, and optimization for IP traffic, services, and growth Simplified support and handover to non-3GPP access technologies
The result is the evolved packet system consisting of the core network part, the evolved packet core (EPC) and the radio network - evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), i.e. LTE. EPS is standardized in 3GPP Release 8.
LTE TDD Systems

Most LTE deployments use paired spectrum (FDD). The LTE TDD mode for unpaired spectrum is complementary and the perfect choice for providing high speed mobile broadband access in unpaired spectrum. LTE TDD is gaining market traction globally, providing a future-proof evolutionary path for TD-SCDMA, another 3GPP standard, as widely deployed in China. LTE TDD is an integral part of the 3GPP standards implementing a maximum of
October 1, 2012
commonalities with LTE FDD and offering comparable performance characteristics and similar high spectral efficiency. Within globally assigned IMT bands for mobile communication, significant spectrum resources are suitable for LTE TDD. The largest contiguous bands are at 2.3 GHz (100 MHz) and within the 2.6 GHz band (50 MHz according to the CEPT band plan). There are also deployments in 3.5 GHz spectrum and this band has significant future potential for LTE. Due to the demand for radio technologies for unpaired bands and based on the commonalities stated above, LTE TDD can exploit global economies of scale similar to LTE FDD, with a short time to market, and is a globally accepted technology, also providing an excellent evolution path for WiMAX operators. LTE TDD operator commitments, system maturity and eco-system are confirmed in this report.
says this is the world's first commercialization of Multi Carrier. Other operators have announced plans to deploy LTE-A in a 2012-2013 timeframe including AT&T Mobility, Clearwire, Dish Network, and Sprint.
LTE Category 4
LTE Category 4, providing 150Mbps peak downlink, is the next LTE evolution step. Solutions are already available from vendors. The first LTE Category 4 compatible user devices are announced and commercially available in the market. TeliaSonera, Sweden, was the first operator in Europe to offer the Huawei Cat4 E3276 dongle.
LTE-Advanced Systems
LTE FDD and LTE TDD have a clear evolution towards LTE-Advanced which includes many features originally considered for the future ITU IMT-Advanced system. In October 2010 the ITU officially designated LTE-Advanced as an IMT-Advanced (4G) technology. IMT-Advanced provides a global platform on which to build next-generations of interactive mobile services providing faster data access, enhanced roaming capabilities, unified messaging and broadband multimedia. LTE-Advanced test systems are operating around the world, for example NTT DoCoMo is undertaking field experiments of LTEAdvanced in Yokosuka and Sagamihara and confirmed the performance of LTE-Advanced using simulators in its R & D center, achieving transmission data rates of approx 1 Gbps on the downlink and 200 Mbps on the uplink. SK Telcom launched their multicarrier LTE service (an LTE-A feature) on July 1, 2012, extending across all of Seoul by end 2012 and to 23 other major cities by early 2013. SK Telecom
3GPP published Release 10 of the standard in March 2011 and froze the features set for LTE-Advanced. Completion of Rel. 10 was the final step in the four year process to ensure that the 3GPP radio interface will meet the formal requirements of IMT-Advanced. As is the case with current work on HSPA Evolution (HSPA+), LTE work will continue beyond the current Release. It is a well proven method in 3GPP that work is allowed to carry on, but is punctuated by a series of Releases, allowing the industry to make products and plan services from that point on. At the plenary meeting of TSG SA in September 2012, Release 11 of the 3GPP specification sets for GSM, UMTS and LTE-Advanced (and access-agnostic) systems was declared functionally frozen, meaning that no extra functionality will be added to this Release. However, a further three to six months are needed before all technical specifications can be considered complete since some features are not yet fully specified and the precise coding of some protocol information elements will not be wrapped up until June 2013. More information about 3GPP standards at www.3gpp.org
October 1, 2012
LTE networks, developments global round-up

Americas USA On September 21, 2010 regional carrier MetroPCS became the first operator in the USA to launch LTE. MetroPCS offered the worlds first commercially available LTE handset, the Samsung Craft. Service was launched in Las Vegas, extended to Dallas/Forth Worth, Detroit, Boston, Sacramento and New York. Samsung SCH-R900/Craft was also the first multimode CDMA-LTE handset. LTE network rollouts continue in other MetroPCS markets. MetroPCS had 500,000 LTE subscriptions at end Q1 2012. Verizon Wireless launched its commercial LTE system in 700 MHz (Band 13) spectrum on December 5, 2010. The LTE network currently covers more than 75% of the US population and their goal is to reach over 400 markets covering 260 million pops by end 2012. Verizon expects coverage to match its existing 3G network by 2013. Through its LTE in Rural America program Verizon has worked with partners to collaboratively build and operate an LTE network that covers over 2.6 million people in rural communities over 82,000 square miles. The list of LTE in Rural America participants includes: Appalachian Wireless Kentucky Bluegrass Cellular - Kentucky Cellcom - Wisconsin Chariton Valley Missouri Chat Mobility - Iowa Clear Stream - North Carolina Convergence Technologies Indiana Copper Valley Telecom - Alaska Cross Telephone - Oklahoma Custer Telephone Cooperative Idaho Matanuska Telephone Association - Alaska NorthwestCell Missouri Pioneer Cellular Oklahoma Sagebrush Cellular (Nemont) Dakota, Montana S and R Communications - Indiana Strata Networks Utah Thumb Cellular - Michigan
Pioneer Cellular launched commercial LTE service on April 30, 2012. Cellcom, a rural carrier for Wisconsin and Michigan, launched commercial LTE service on April 30, 2012 initially in Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay, Appleton, Oshkosh, Wausau, Oconto and Marinette Counties. AT&T Mobility launched commercial LTE service on September 18, 2011 in 700 MHz (Band 17) in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. AT&T has launched LTE in 75 markets covering over 74 million American (AT&T website, October 1, 2012). The company expects to complete its national LTE network build by end 2013. AT&T has announced plans to close its GSM network by 2017 at the latest, and intends to refarm the spectrum to support its 3G and 4G networks. T-Mobile USA plans to commercially launch its LTE network in 2013. The FCC has allowed allow TMobile USA to perform LTE mobile broadband tests using its 1755-1780 MHz radio spectrum. Agri-Valley Broadband plans to use LTE for a regional rural deployment in 700 MHz spectrum, and has selected its infrastructure partner. The company plans to deploy LTE in up to 40 counties in Michigan. Aircell aims to use LTE to boost its in-flight network capacity if sufficient spectrum is obtained. Bay Area Regional Interoperable Communications System (BayRICS) vision was established by the 10 Bay Area Counties and 3 core cities, San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose in 2006 through the creation of a strategic plan with the goal of providing voice and data interoperability throughout the Bay Area region. BayRICS is a state of the art communications system-of-systems. Bay Area Wireless Enhanced Broadband (BayWEB) is the broadband component of BayRICS which has acquired 700 MHz in which an LTE-based public safety system is intended to be deployed. In April 2011, the first public-safety LTE pilot network in the San Francisco Bay Area was tested. These tests were commissioned by the East Bay Communications System Authority, which oversaw the pilot LTE network deployment.
October 1, 2012
BendBroadband announced on May 17, 2012 that the company had upgraded its network, making it the first carrier in Central Oregon to offer commercial LTE service. BendBroadband announced it would shut down its HSPA+ wireless network at end June 2012 after which it will only offer the LTE service. C Spire Wireless holds 700 MHz Band 12 spectrum for most of Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama and commercially launched LTE services on September 10, 2012 in McComb, Brookhaven, Meridian and Greenville, being the first 4 of 31 markets to be covered by end October 2012. A further 6 markets are to be launched by end 2012. CenturyLink plans to deploy LTE in 700 MHz, after spending in the 700 MHz auction USD 149 million on 69 A and B block concessions.. Enhanced Telecommunications Corporation (ETC) is deploying an LTE network in Indiana. Leap Wireless' Cricket subsidiary launched commercial LTE service on December 21, 2011 in Tucson in AWS spectrum. Leap Wireless signed a 5year wholesale agreement with Clearwire for capacity off-load as a supplement to Cricket's LTE network. CDMA operator Alaska Communications is deploying an LTE network expected to launch in October 2012. When LTE is launched, in parts of Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau, the company will also launch its commercial HSPA+ service in a number of other communities including Mat-Su, the Kenai Peninsula, Sitka and Ketchikan. Clearwire Corp. requested 3GPP to standardize LTE TDD for 2496 2690 MHz operation (Band 41) and released results of trials carried out on LTE TDD and FDD systems in Phoenix, Arizona. Clearwire is a member of the Global TD-LTE Initiative, and in August 2011 committed to deploy an LTE overlay, incorporating key features of LTE-Advanced. The LTE TDD mode is expected to be deployed in 20 MHz of spectrum. Clearwire announced plans to have 5,000 LTE TDD sites operating by June 2013, at which time VoLTE will also be supported. LTE services will begin in early 2013 in 31 markets. Sprint commercially launched LTE FDD service on July 15, 2012 in 10 MHz of existing 1900 MHz
spectrum in 15 cities: Atlanta, Athens, Calhoun, Carrollton, Newnan and Rome, Ga.; Dallas, Fort Worth, Granbury-Hood County, Houston, Huntsville, San Antonio and Waco, Texas; and St. Joseph and Kansas City, Mo. LTE service launch continued into 4 more cities including Baltimore by end August 2012. Initial smartphones offered include HTC EVO 4G LTE, Galaxy Nexus, LG Viper 4G LTE, and Samsung Galaxy SIII. The Sierra Wireless 4G LTE Tri-Fi Hotspot is also offered. Sprint plans to use 2.5 GHz in future and also use 800 MHz (ESMR spectrum) in 2012 by moving its iDEN customers onto its CDMA PTT service. Sprint plans to have 250 million LTE pops coverage by end 2013 and continue fill in of smaller markets with LTE from early 2014. Sprint said it wont sell WiMax service after 2012 and will deploy LTE-Advanced technology in 800 MHz by 1H 2013 using 3GPP Release 10 in 10x10 configuration. As part of a $32.1 million stimulus grant, Commnet Wireless, LLC will develop and operate an LTE network in the Navajo Nation. The grant, plus partial matching funds, will provide broadband infrastructure access to the Navajo Nation across Arizona, New faustralia and Utah, enabling fixed and mobile service for over 30,000 households (c. 135,000 people) and 1,000 businesses in 15 of the largest communities in the Navajo Nation, including Window Rock, Shiprock, Kayenta, Chinle, and Tuba City. The project will also provide high-capacity connectivity on the combined middle-mile backbone to 49 more tribal communities. Satellite TV provider Dish Network applied to the FCC in August 2011 for approval to deploy LTEAdvanced in S-band Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) spectrum bought from TerreStar, added to spectrum acquired from the purchase of satellite company DBSD North America, for a total of 40 MHz (20002020 MHz and 2180-2200 MHz). In March 2012 the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to establish rules for stand-alone terrestrial services using 2 GHz MSS spectrum. If the waiver is allowed, LTE-A service launch is not anticipated before 2016. Greenfield operator Lightsquared is planning to deploy the first US wholesale-only LTE network, and selected its infrastructure supplier for deployment using 1.4 to 1.6 GHz, mostly (46 MHz) in L-Band. However the company must work through major regulatory obstacles because the FCC ruled that its proposed operating frequency interferes with GPS
October 1, 2012
and aircraft flight safety systems. Lightsquared announced plans in February 2012 to lay off almost half of its employees, and filed for bankruptcy in May 2012 in order to try to continue operations. Rural CDMA operator Mosaic Telecom (NW Wisconsin) holds 700 MHz and AWS spectrum and launched commercial LTE service in July 2011. NetAmerica Alliance LLC aims to help bring LTE mobile broadband services to 700 MHz and AWS spectrum holders for consumers and businesses in smaller markets and rural areas. NetAmerica joins forces with rural independent license holders deploying new converged 4G mobile/fixed networks and provide them with business and network services including combined buying power, nationwide branding, 24x7 network monitoring, core networking elements, apps development and other key services. www.netAmericaAlliance.com Network operators Etex Telephone Cooperative, Panhandle Telephone Cooperative, Peoples Telephone Cooperative, and S&T Telephone Cooperative/Communications are committed to LTE network deployments and joined NetAmerica Alliance. On October 26, 2011, NetAmerica Alliance announced a live LTE pilot network. NetAmerica Alliance members are using the pilot network to develop, test and refine operating methodologies prior to turn-up of commercial service. Peoples Telephone Cooperative launched commercial LTE service in rural Texas on February 14, 2012 having replaced its WiMax offer with LTE in 700 MHz. The initial service phase moved over 200 residential users from WiMax to LTE in Eastern Texas. Panhandle (PTCI) owns spectrum covering six counties comprised of more than 45,000 people, nearly 20,000 households and covers over 7,500 square miles. PTCI launched commercial LTE service at end March 2012, initially in rural Oklahoma; the network consists of 45 towers covering 5,000 square miles and 30,000 population covered. Rural regional carrier Sprocket Wireless (brand of Cross Wireless), also in Oklahoma, is deploying an LTE network. O2 Secure Wireless, an emerging Internet communications company, has announced it has
embarked on phase one of its LTE network strategy. The company plans to provide coverage to over 500,000 customers in under-served or un-served markets in Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Public Service Wireless is deploying a 700 MHz LTE network in central and south-west Georgia. South Georgia Regional Information Technology Authority is deploying a 700MHz LTE system in South Georgia. WiMAX operator SpeedConnect is deploying infrastructure in Michigan which includes LTE and WiMAX technologies. Texas Energy Network (TEN) is deploying an LTE network, initially targeting the oil and gas industries beginning with the Eagle Ford Shale region. United Wireless has added LTE to its CDMA network and deployed its LTE network in band 12 of 700 MHz spectrum, planning to launch when devices for this band can be offered. US Cellular in partnership with King Street Wireless commercially launched 700 MHz LTE service on March 22, 2012 in selected cities in Iowa, Maine, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin. In 2H 2012 LTE coverage will expand to cover more cities in Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia and by end 2012, 50% of its customers will be covered by LTE. VTel Wireless is deploying an LTE network in rural Vermont. Estimated completion date is Q4 2012. VTel Wireless received USD 1,347,840 to expand broadband services in 19 Vermont communities. West Central Wireless, a subsidiary of the Central Texas Telephone Cooperative, is deploying an LTE network in Texas, targeting commercial service in late 2012. The company also uses LTE for fixed wireless services in the 700MHz band, though this is not used by mobile subscribers. US regional operator Penasco Valley Telecommunications (PVT) is deploying an LTE
October 1, 2012
network in the states of New Mexico and Texas, to operate under the Fuego Wireless brand. On January 25, 2011 the FCC mandated LTE for first responders (public safety communications). The Order and FNPRM requires all 700 MHz public safety mobile broadband networks to use a common air interface, specifically LTE, to support roaming and interoperable communications. Mandating of a single technology by the FCC is unprecedented. The City of Charlotte Council awarded a contract in October 2011 for an LTE Public Safety Network in this dedicated Public Safety 700 MHz band. On April 26, 2012 two key members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Communications and Technology - Congressman Cliff Stearns and Congresswoman Doris Matsui, introduced a bill (H.R 4817) calling for re-purposing and pairing of the 1755-1850 MHz band with the internationally harmonized 2155 2180 MHz band (FCC's AWS-3). H.R. 4817 would require pairing and auction within three years of February 22, 2012. The President would be required to clear 1755-1780 MHz within 5 years unless it can be shown that relocation of a particular government assignment is not possible "without jeopardizing essential military capability." If H.R. 4817 is enacted and the paired 50 MHz block is auctioned and put into use in the near term, it would be a big step toward lessening the "spectrum crunch". PUBLIC SAFETY Band 14 (788-798/758-768 MHz) Las Vegas Metropolitan Police (LVMPD) is trialling LTE in band 14. Department
Canada Rogers Wireless launched Canadas first commercial LTE service on July 7, 2011 in Ottawa and LTE coverage is planned to reach 60% of the population by end 2012. Bell Mobility launched commercial LTE services in Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo and Guelph on September 14, 2011 and now covers 17 million pops. Customers fallback to DC-HSPA+ or HSPA+ outside LTE coverage. TELUS launched commercial LTE service on February 10, 2012 and is planning coverage for 25 million pops by end 2012. MTS Allstream commercially launched LTE service on its network on September 25, 2012 commencing in Manitoba. MTSs 4G LTE service is currently available in Winnipeg and Brandon. Sasktel announced phase 1 of its LTE deployment will begin in the fall of 2012 to Regina and Saskatoon and surrounding areas. LTE will be deployed to other urban and rural areas from 2013 based on demand. The company will deploy VoLTE in 2013. Sasktel has also awarded a trial contract using LTE TDD to help determine the feasibility of wireless broadband and voice services for customers in predominantly rural locations. The trial will be a conducted in at least 3 rural locations in Saskatchewan and run from December 2012 until August 2013. Wind Mobile confirmed an LTE trial in February 2011 Videotron plans to deploy LTE.
Miami-Dade police are trialling LTE in band 14. The Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications System Board (ISICSB) issued a request for proposals (RFP) for industry-funded, LTE public safety broadband network proof-of-concept demonstrations (LTE PSBND), which will be used to educate public safety and officials at the federal, state, county, local, and tribal levels about LTE statewide public safety wireless communications systems. Proposals were requested by June 19, with Iowa state planning to award a contract running from July 1, 2012 until June 30, 2013. (GovWin blog) Rural WiMAX operator Xplornet Communications announced on December 8, 2011 successful completion of LTE TDD testing in the 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands. The trials demonstrated a seamless LTE TDD option over existing WiMAX infrastructure, offering a smooth migration path (from WiMAX) to LTE TDD. The trial in 3.5 GHz used the same band that Xplornet uses for current (WiMAX) deployments. The 2.6 GHz trial was enabled by a development license from regulator Industry Canada. Industry Canada is planning to auction 700 MHz (aligning with US band plan) and 2.6 GHz in 2013.
October 1, 2012
Antigua and Barbuda In August 2012 the Telecoms Minister said that two new market entrants will be licensed in Q1 2013 to provide LTE services. Argentina Telefonica completed lab trials of LTE in March 2010, then a field trial in 2010 in Buenos Aires in AWS spectrum Personal tested LTE in Puerto Madero (June 2010), and in December 2010 announced a trial in Cordoba. Regulator SECOM announced on September 5, 2012 it would allocate to state-owned operator Arsat all the 850 MHz and 1900 MHz spectrum returned by Movistar when parent Telefonica bought some of the assets of former operator Movicom from Bell South, Bahamas The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) on August 13, 2012 awarded a 700 MHz license to BTC. The license is valid for of 15 years. The announcement follows evaluation of 5 applications for licenses. Two applications were rejected because they failed the minimum criteria, and one application is pending approvals from other business investment and licensing bodies. The new license stipulates coverage obligations. BTC has exclusivity in mobile services to April 2014. Cable TV operator Cable Bahamas Limited (CBL) is also expected to receive a license. Belize BTL (DigiCell) is deploying an LTE upgrade to its GSM network for commercial launch in Q4 2012. Bolivia Entel Movil is trialling LTE in La Paz. Brazil Sky Brasil Servicos commercially launched LTE TDD services (2.6 GHz - Band 38) on December 13, 2011 in Brasilia. More cities will be covered in 2012.
The auction of 2.6 GHz LTE spectrum was concluded on June 12, 2012 with the winners being Vivo (2 x 20 MHz MHz), Claro (2 x 20 MHz), TIM (2 x 10 MHz) and Oi (2 x 10 MHz). As no separate bids for 450 MHz spectrum were made, regulator Anatel bundled the unsold channels with the new 2.6 GHz concessions. Commercial LTE services are required to be launched in 2013. The auction included spectrum suitable for TDD deployments, acquired by Sky Brasil Servicos and Sunrise Telecomunicacoes, the latter focuses in Sao Paulo state. Oi has been trialling LTE from mid-June 2011, reported to use 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum. Vivo has been trialling LTE and plans to deploy a commercial network. Claro has been testing LTE in 2.6 GHz since Q4 2011 and has deployed 2.6 GHz LTE trial networks in Campos do Jordo, (So Paulo state) Bzios and Paraty (both in Rio de Janeiro state). The Sao Paulo military police force is testing LTE in 700 MHz, and trialling with 5 base stations. The Brazil Army is testing LTE in 700MHz for public security solutions. The network was installed in September 2011 at two sites in Brasilia covering Esplanada dos Ministrios, and Communications Center and the Army Electronic Warfare (CCOMGEX) CPqD has tested LTE in 450 MHz reportedly in Campinas. Tests were also made in 2.6 GHz. Algar Telecom (CTBC) is conducting LTE trials in 850 MHz and 1800 MHz. Regulatory approval is needed for commercial services in these frequencies. Anatel auctioned 15 lots of frequency sub-bands on December 6, 2011 raising USD 132.7 million. 39 lots were not auctioned, including 29 designated for WiMAX. TIM, Oi and Sercomtel bought spectrum in the 1800 MHz band. Claro bought spectrum in the 800 MHz band. 3.5 GHz spectrum is expected to be auctioned in 2012. Discussions are planned this year on use of 700 MHz once digital TV switchover is completed (2016). According to the ITU, Brazil needs 980 MHz by 2015 to keep up with demand, and by 2012, 764 MHz will have been offered.
October 1, 2012
Chile Entel PCS completed an LTE trial at the Universidad de Chile. Movistar has publicly demonstrated LTE. It was announced in July 2012 that Movistar, Entel and Claro each won 2 x 20 MHz spectrum in the 2.6 GHz auction. Conditions include an obligation to roll out nationwide within 12 months. The other incumbents Nextel, and VTR did not submit bids. Claro has also trialled LTE and in September 2012 confirmed its plans to deploy LTE in the coming year. Colombia UNE-EPM launched commercial LTE service on June 14, 2012 in 2.6 GHz spectrum in Bogot and Medelln UNE plans 90% population coverage by end 2012. The Ministry of ICT (MinTIC) via Resolution 3263 of December 29, 2011 invited expressions of interest to participate in an auction of Band IV (AWS), Band II (PCS1900) and Band VII (2.6 GHz) for LTE use. The auction was scheduled to start on August 8, 2012 but delayed to December 2012. 10 companies have confirmed interest in bidding, local as well as foreign operators. Tigo intends to participate and has announced plans to deploy a commercial LTE network. Nextel and Avantel are amongst the new players expressing interest in the auctions. Up to 90 MHz of 700 MHz spectrum may be auctioned in 2013. Costa Rica Claro & ICE are considering deploying LTE in 2012. Dominican Republic Orange Dominicana launched commercial LTE service in Santo Domingo on July 9, 2012, using 1800 MHz spectrum (LTE1800). Tricom signed an infrastructure supply contract for deployment of an LTE network. Ecuador The Telecommunication and Information Society Ministry (MINTEL) announced the National Broadband Plan is to be strengthened to assist
development of high speed Internet access to underserved areas. New measures include a resolution to implement LTE in all regions. Considering the benefits of the new mobile technologies, the Telecommunication and Information Society Ministry (MINTEL) and the National Secretary of Telecommunications (SENATEL) are organizing various events to demonstrate new mobile technologies like LTE, in order to increase the technological and social development. The government seeks to publicize the benefits of the new mobile technologies to the society in general. CONATEL has advised GSA about several LTEfocused events and trials held or planned in Ecuador, the next being: October 17, 2011 - Guayaquil Seminar, LTE demo in AWS (1700/2100 MHz) band With LTE comes the opportunity to deploy networks and services, in some areas for the first time. The government has developed the National Broadband Plan, whose main objective is to provide Internet services in underserved areas and technologically isolated amongst the main goals, to achieve by 2017 at least 75 % of Ecuador's population with access to broadband. To help fulfill these goals and objectives, CONATEL approved the re-allocation of frequency bands for the introduction of IMT systems as follows: 700 MHz band: 90 MHz AWS band: 120 MHz 2.5/2.6 GHz band: 190 MHz With this decision, Ecuador continues taking concrete steps leading to the introduction of new technologies to promote broadband access. (This information was kindly provided to GSA by CONATEL August 2012) Guatemala Regulator SIT said bands suitable for LTE include 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, AWS, and 2.1 GHz. Jamaica Claro is reported to be deploying an LTE system. Digicel has agreed to acquire the company from America Movil. Further announcements are awaited.
October 1, 2012
Mexico Telefnica plans to launch LTE in October 2012. At a press conference, the CEO stated that the first phase sites had been deployed in Mexico City, Jalisco, and in the municipality of San Pedro, Monterrey, following investments totalling around 3 billion pesos. Telcel is preparing consumers in 2012. for commercial launch to
Puerto Rico AT&T Puerto Rico launched commercial LTE services in 700 MHz on November 20, 2011 in San Juan and continues to expand coverage. Claro commercially launched 700 MHz LTE service on Nov 24, 2011. CDMA operator Open Mobile launched its 700 MHz commercial LTE service on April 19, 2012. Sprint Nextel is deploying LTE. Service launch is anticipated Q4 2012. T Mobile USA is deploying LTE for launch in 2013. Uruguay Antel launched commercial LTE services on December 13, 3011 in AWS spectrum in Montevideo and Punta del Este. Antel has requested access to 700 MHz for LTE and awaits the regulators decision. Claro and Movistar have expressed interest in bidding for new spectrum for LTE. Wireless broadband company Dedicado is planning to invest US$ 5 million in deployment of 4Motion network using WiMAX and LTE in 3.5 GHz. In May 2012 the government passed a Decree governing DTT implementation. Digital broadcasting will start within 12 months and the analog switch off will take place on November 21, 2015. Venezuela Regulator Conatel issued an invitation for the allocation of 35 MHz paired spectrum bands: 1930-1940 MHz paired with 1850-1860 MHz (band 2) 1945-1955 MHz paired with 1865-1875 MHz (band 2) 1810-1825 MHz paired with 1715-1730 MHz (band 3) Applications were required by June 6, 2012. Movilnet, Movistar, Digitel responded. Movistar announced on September 20, 2012 receipt of 10 MHz paired of band 2 spectrum (Movilnet currently uses band 2 for HSPA) Movistar has been testing LTE. WiMAX operator Movilmax has a nationwide license with 48 MHz of 2.6 GHz spectrum and announced the company is migrating to LTE.
Telefnica plans LTE service launch by 2013 and has a network sharing agreement with Iusacell. On September 21, 2012 the regulator COFETEL confirmed its adoption of the APT band plan for 700 MHz digital dividend spectrum. GSA welcomes this important development which provides a strong signal to the Latin American region - comment: This clearly shows how critical regulators view international harmonization and spectrum efficiency as being. Countries need to move forward in a concerted and harmonized way to meet the requirements on economies of scale for devices and capacity for mobile broadband. The government plans an auction of new 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum. In August 2012 the government announced it will not renew spectrum held in the 2.5/2.6 GHz band which it plans to recall when the licenses expire. Panama Cable and Wireless Panama is planning to deploy an LTE network and has identified a network partner. Paraguay Vox (Copaco) plans to deploy a commercial LTE network, targeting launch in 2012. Personal (Telecom Argentina) has asked regulator CONATEL for 10 MHz paired of AWS spectrum. Claro and Tigo are the other operators. Peru Telefonica Movistar has been trialling LTE. Ministerio de Transporte y Comunicaciones del Per is expected to auction two blocks of AWS spectrum for LTE deployments in 1H 2013.
October 1, 2012
Asia Pacific and Oceania Australia All three mobile operators are deploying LTE1800. Telstra commercially launched LTE1800 service on September 27, 2011 in capital city CBDs (central business districts) and more than 30 regional and metropolitan centers. The NextG network upgrade uses Telstras existing 1800 MHz spectrum refarmed to deliver LTE to areas where traffic demand is most concentrated and is integrated with Telstras existing HSPA+ service in the 850MHz band. Telstra offers dual mode LTE/HSPA+ mobile broadband devices for seamless operation across 1800 MHz and 850 MHz. Telstra is trialling IMS but says it will not rush into voice until coverage is ubiquitous on the LTE layer. Telstra announced activation of its 1,000th LTE base station in May 2012. In the year ending June 2012 the company announced 375,000 LTE-capable devices connected to its network and 40% pops coverage. Optus conducted an LTE1800 trial for over 1,000 users in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley areas of New South Wales. Commercial LTE service launch for small business, enterprise and government customers in Sydney and Perth was confirmed on July 31, 2012 using LTE1800, before a wider launch on September 4, 2012. The Optus 4G (LTE1800) network now covers selected areas of Sydney, Perth, Newcastle and Melbourne. Optus acquired Vivid Wireless giving access to 98 MHz of 2.3 GHz spectrum. Optus has opened its trial network for LTE TDD at the Optus Campus in Macquarie Park and St Marys in western Sydney. The first public demonstration achieved peak site throughput speeds over 200 Mbps and a consistent per-user range between 25 Mbps and 87 Mbps. In May 2012 Optus and Vodafone announced a major site sharing roaming deal, subject to ACCC approval. Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA) confirmed results of its LTE1800 trial in Q4 2010 in Newcastle, NSW using 10 MHz of 1800 MHz. Upgrading of the network (around 5,800 2G and 3G base station sites) is underway and commercial VHA LTE1800 services are anticipated to start in 2013. In September 2011 VHA announced that an agreement between the company and the Australasian Railway Association,
which holds licenses for 1800 MHz spectrum, to create contiguous blocks of spectrum in NSW, Victoria and South Australia, had been approved by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). NBN Co was established to design, build and operate the national broadband network and is deploying 2.3GHz LTE TDD for fixed-wireless broadband to serve rural Australia with download speeds of up to 12 Mbps and upload speeds reaching 1 Mbps, ensuring a significant improvement on existing services. NBN Co launched LTE TDD commercial wholesale services to customers on 2 April, 2012. There are currently 15 service providers who are accredited to provide services over the network and NBN Co is installing services for them across four locations in Australia, expanding to a national footprint covering 4% of the population by the end of 2015. This locks in with the same product set being offered over fibre and satellite to make the total picture of 100% population coverage. Retail price packages are available from *SkyMesh, iiNet, and Activ8Me (source: NBN Co communication to GSA) EnergyAustralias Ausgrid trialled an LTE platform at 15 sites in 2011, with the intent to migrate to a full LTE network. EnergyAustralia was chosen by the Government to lead the Smart Grid, Smart City demonstration project to test Australias first fully integrated, commercial-scale smart grid. WiMAX operator BigAir manages one of the largest metropolitan fixed wireless networks in Australia and has confirmed plans to deploy LTE for commercial service in 2012-2013 timeframe. The planned auction by ACMA of digital dividend spectrum will take place April 2013 for use from January 1, 2015. The auction will also include 2.6 GHz spectrum. ACMA is consulting on future use of 1800 MHz, comments were due by July 27, 2012. ACMA is consulting on its new proposals for prioritizing more spectrum for mobile broadband including changing the status of the 3.4 3.6 GHz band to primary from secondary, which is suitable for LTE deployments. ACMA is also evaluating the merits of using the 400 MHz band for interoperable government wireless communications.
October 1, 2012
Bangladesh The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has published a 138-pages draft proposal for awarding six combined 3G and LTE licenses; a total of 50 MHz of 1900 MHz spectrum in five lots of 10 MHz paired is being made available.
www.mopt.gov.bd/all%20backup/Draft_3G_4G_LTE_Guid eline.pdf
more widely available in several in-building locations and in general commercial use (shown in this report to be from November 2011 as advised to us by CSL). Genius Brand is deploying a city wide LTE network of approximately 2,000 base stations on which Hutchison and PCCW operate their respective commercial LTE services. PCCW launched commercial LTE service on April 25, 2012. Its Mobile (+Wi-Fi) broadband service Netvigator Everywhere is supported by territorywide 42Mbps DC-HSPA+ service integrated with the companys 100 Mbps Wi-Fi (almost 10,000 hotspots) in an auto-connect/ traffic off-load arrangement. Hutchison 3 HK launched its commercial LTE FDD service on May 2, 2012. 3 HK said it will build a combined FDD and TDD network. SmarTone announced commercial launch of its LTE1800 network on August 28, 2012 with service available to selected customers by invitation, then generally available to customers on September 11. On February 6, 2012 regulator OFCA announced the auction results after 6 bidding rounds for 90 MHz of 2.3 GHz spectrum for BWA services, divided into 3 x 30 MHz blocks. 30 MHz blocks were won each by Hutchison Telephone Company Limited, China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited, and new entrant 21 ViaNet Group Limited. China Mobile HK launched commercial LTE FDD services in 2.6 GHz on April 25, 2012 and is evolving the network to also support LTE TDD this year. The worlds first bi-directional handover between LTE FDD and TDD on a live network was announced by Ericsson and China Mobile HK on June 20, 2012. On December 29, 2011 OFCA launched a consultation on auctioning spectrum in the 2.6GHz range, offering five blocks of 2 x 5 MHz, by auction which would be held in Q1 2013 at the earliest. A total of 50 MHz in the 2515 2540 MHz and 2635 2660 MHz bands will be available for assignment. OFCA has since confirmed plans for the auction in Q1 2013. Guam IT&E is deploying an LTE network.
China China Mobile is building its TD-SCDMA network so that sites and other elements are reusable for LTE TDD. China Mobile ran a pilot of LTE TDD technology until September 2011 using 850 base stations in 6 cities in Phase 1 working with several infrastructure, devices and chipset vendors. This followed a largescale showcase trial network during the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai. China Mobile has now entered the second phase of trials in ten cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Qingdao, Tianjin and Shenyang, and recently announced that trials will also take place in Chengdu, Fuzhou, and Ningbo. China Mobile plans to have 20,000 LTE TDD base sites covering 500 million people by end 2012, increasing to 200,000 by end 2013. Commercial service launch is anticipated in 2013-2014. China Mobile has 1.9 GHz, 2.0 GHz, 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands (classified as F, A, E and D bands). Trials use the D and F bands. China Mobile announced it will introduce 10 LTE TDD smartphone models during 1H 2013, and intends to have more than 100 products launched by 2014. China Telecom plans to launch an LTE service, expected in 2012, which will be integrated with CDMA systems in 17 provinces. LTE deployment timescales of China Unicom are not known to GSA at this time. In Hong Kong SAR, 2 x 15 MHz blocks of 2.6 GHz spectrum were obtained via auction each by China Mobile HK (Peoples Phone), Genius Brand (Hutchison Telecom/PCCW JV) and CSL Limited. On November 25, 2010 CSL Limited commercially launched its combined LTE2600/1800/DC-HSPA+ network for corporate services, extended to all customers on May 16, 2011. LTE1800 sites have been added incrementally. Although the first LTE1800 site was on air at the initial launch, now LTE1800 is
October 1, 2012
India The 2.3 GHz BWA auction began with 11 companies bidding for 2 blocks in each of the 22 circles. The government had earlier allocated one 20 MHz unpaired spectrum block each to MTNL and BSNL. Tikona Digital Networks won spectrum in 5 circles and is committed to deploy LTE TDD. Commercial launch is expected in early 2013. Qualcomm and Bharti Airtel won 4 circles each. Qualcomm gained spectrum in the key circles of Delhi, Mumbai, Haryana and Kerala, announced Global Holding Corporation and Tulip Telecom as initial shareholders for its LTE venture for network deployment, and has been undertaking trials. In May 2012 it was announced that Bharti Airtel will buy 49% of the Qualcomm license, comprising the 26% owned by Global Holding Corporation and Tulip Telecom, plus a further 23% of the company (according to reports, as a first step to taking full ownership in 2014). Bharti Airtel has BWA licenses in four other circles - Kolkata, Karnataka, Punjab and Maharashtra. Bharti Airtel is a member of the Global TD-LTE Initiative. On April 10, 2012 Bharti Airtel commercially launched Indias first LTE service (TDD) in Kolkata. Commercial LTE service started in Bangalore on May 7, 2012. The next launches will be in Pune and Chandigarh. Aircel won BWA spectrum in eight circles and plans to commercially launch LTE services TDD by December 2012, initially in Chennai and Tamilnadu. Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) is deploying an LTE TDD network for commercial launch in early 2013. Infotel Broadband was the only pan-India winner, and later bought by Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL). BSNL and MTNL are studying introducing LTE TDD possibly in addition to current WiMAX deployments. BSNL had acquired BWA spectrum licenses in the 2.6 GHz band in 22 circles for $1.6 billion. Regulator TRAI is consulting on 700 MHz spectrum and IMT-Advanced (incl. LTE-Advanced) systems.
Indonesia Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat have been trialling LTE technology and plan to deploy LTE. Indosat trialled LTE in 2.6 GHz in 2010 and in October 2011 announced completion of a trial of LTE1800 in 10 MHz bandwidth in Surabaya and Denpasar in Bali. Indosat plans to deploy LTE in refarmed 1800 MHz spectrum. CDMA operator Bakrie Telecom plans to introduce LTE, and may trial LTE in 2012. Regulator SDPPI is consulting on the use of 2300 2360 MHz spectrum (part of Band 40) for BWA which could lead to licenses being awarded in August 2012. Japan NTT DoCoMo launched Japans first commercial LTE system on December 24, 2010 in 2.1 GHz under the Xi brand in the Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka areas. DoCoMo is aiming to cover 98% of the population with LTE by March 2015 and is targeting 30 million LTE subscriptions by this date. NTT DoCoMo announced that the 5 million LTE subscribers figure was reached on August 19, 2012. KDDI launched commercial LTE service on September 21, 2012 and continues to operate its 800 MHz CDMA network for voice traffic. The LTE service was launched in 2.1 GHz spectrum (band 1) to align with the LTE band support offered by the iPhone 5, which KDDI also introduced on the same day. Other phones will use 2.1 GHz later, and 800/1500 MHz spectrum will also be used for deployments in future. eAccess launched its commercial LTE service in 1.7 GHz spectrum on March 15, 2012 (in band 7, which is within LTE1800 band 3. Note that a band 7 device will not work on all band 3 networks). Coverage is scheduled to cover 99% of the population of major cities Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya by end June 2012. Softbank Mobile, a member of the Global TD-LTE Initiative, commercially launched XGP/LTE TDD services on February 24, 2012 via its affiliated company Wireless City Planning which followed a pre-commercial pilot service starting on November 1, 2011 and which owns the operating license. The coverage area includes Sapporo, Saitama, Chiba,
October 1, 2012
Tokyo, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe, Fukuoka, Fukuoka City, Kitakyushu City and covers 30 cities. The first device offered was the "ULTRA WiFi 4G SoftBank 101SI portable router. The network is deployed in 20 MHz of 2.5 GHz (band 41) spectrum bought from Willcom (PHS operator) and has over 100,000 subscribers. Softbank Mobile owns licenses to operate mobile systems in 2.1GHz FDD (band 1), 1.5 GHz (band 11) and 900 MHz (band 8), and commercially launched its LTE FDD service in band 1 on September 21, 2012 at the same time as introducing the iPhone 5. The LTE FDD service is considered by GSA to be a separate network and business from the LTE TDD deployment mentioned earlier. NTT DoCoMo, KDDI and eAccess were granted 700 MHz spectrum in June 2012 which will be used for LTE deployments, and can be brought into use from 2015 at the earliest; discussions about migration measures are needed with present users of the spectrum. It is understood that 1800 MHz spectrum may be allocated for LTE services in Japan in future. Laos On May 15, 2012 the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication awarded a license to Beeline Lao to deploy LTE. Testing is currently underway in Vientiane using 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum. Coverage will open in Vientiane in the first phase. Commercial service launch is expected in 2H 2012. Malaysia In February 2012 Maxis confirmed plans to rollout an LTE network in the Klang Valley, Penang, Johor Bahru and other key areas over the next 5 years. Commercial launch is anticipated mid 2013. U Mobile announced on March 15, 2011 plans to launch a commercial LTE network in 2.6 GHz. In October 2011 Maxis and U Mobile signed an active RAN sharing agreement covering LTE. Celcom Axiata has trialled LTE in 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz. Celcom Axiata and Maxis are reported to be discussion 900/1800 MHz spectrum re-farming.
DiGi plans to launch LTE in 2.6 GHz by 2013. WiMAX operator Packet One Networks P1 (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd intends to upgrade its existing 2.3 GHz network with an LTE TDD overlay. P1 says it will focus on LTE TDD in 2013. P1 base stations are dual-mode WiMAX and LTE TDD capable. P1 says by end 2012 they will have 2,300 WiMAX sites, half of which will be LTE TDD ready. P1 expects to have built between 4,000 5,000 LTE TD sites by 2015. WiMAX operator Asiaspace has confirmed its plan to launch LTE TDD in 2.3 GHz before end 2012. Regulator MCMC named nine recipients of 20 MHz of 2.6 GHz spectrum: DiGi, Celcom Axiata, Maxis, U Mobile, WiMAX operators Asiaspace, P1, REDtone International, YTL Communications (Yes brand) and Puncak Semangat Sdn Bhd which received 30 MHz. An auction for the formal allocations is forthcoming. A number of parties have enquired about access to 700 MHz, which MCMC is considering. MCMC is also consulting on re-farming 850/900/1800 MHz. Maxis and REDtone signed an infrastructure and spectrum sharing agreement in July 2012. Both companies plan to launch their LTE services in 2013. Nepal Ncell approached the Nepal Telecom Authority in October 2010 for spectrum and a license for LTE operation. Shareholder TeliaSonera is keen to proceed if permission/spectrum are granted, for launch in 2012. GSA has been advised that discussions with NTA are continuing. Nepal Telecom is deploying a 2.3 GHz LTE TDD network following spectrum assignment in 2011. Deployment is scheduled to be completed within 1 year of contract sign date (announced Feb 2012). At completion, 58 municipalities and all 3,915 VDCs will be connected (a VDC is the lower administrative part of its local development ministry). New Zealand Telecom New Zealand showcased LTE in Auckland in 2011. On May 14, 2012 the company announced plans to launch a customer trial before end 2012.
October 1, 2012
Vodafone New Zealand has trialled LTE and is committed to deployment. Kordia is considering an upgrade of its 2.3 GHz rural mobile network to LTE. 700 MHz digital dividend spectrum is expected to be auctioned in 2012. Woosh is considering an upgrade of its 2.3 GHz rural mobile network to LTE. 700 MHz digital dividend spectrum is expected to be auctioned in 2012. Woosh is a member of the Global TD-LTE Initiative The Philippines Following a period of limited commercial LTE service beginning in Boracay in April 2011 then extended to additional locations including Cebu and Davao, Smart Communications commercially launched its wider LTE service on August 25, 2012 in Metro Manila using 2.1 GHz (3GPP band 1). Commercial LTE service was also launched using 1800 MHz (LTE1800 band 3) on September 5, 2012. To further extend coverage, 850 MHz spectrum (band 5) was brought into use on September 14, 2012. Globe Telecom launched commercial LTE1800 service on September 28, 2012, initially covering 45 sites in Makati City, with plans to quickly expand to cover regions across Manila, Cebu, Davao and select regions. The service was launched under its Tattoo broadband brand and a price plan has been revealed called Globe Tattoo Black, offering downlink speeds up to 42 Mbps for a monthly fee starting Php1,799. Bayan Telecommunications indicated interest to deploy LTE in existing 1800 MHz spectrum. Singapore M1 launched commercial LTE services in the financial district on June 21, 2011 initially using 2.6 GHz, later introducing LTE1800. Nationwide coverage using dual band was announced on September 15, 2012. StarHub tested LTE in 2.6 GHz and 1800 MHz. The LTE1800 network using refarmed 1800 MHz was commercially launched on September 19, 2012 covering the Central Business District (CBD), Changi Airport and Singapore Expo. StarHub plans to trial VoLTE by end 2012 depending on device availability.
SingTel launched commercial LTE service on December 22, 2011 in 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum. Initial service using dongles was in the Central Business District, and planned to extend to high data usage regions. 80% coverage of Singapore is targeted by 2012, extending to island-wide by early 2013. SingTel also trialled LTE overseas with carriers in which it holds stakes i.e. SingTel Optus (Australia), Telkomsel (Indonesia), Globe Telecom (Philippines). SingTel announced the launch of LTE service for consumer smartphone users from 5 June 2012 for customers buying an LTE-enabled phone with a SingTel Flexi or iFlexi plan. The HTC One XL, LG Optimus LTE and Samsung Galaxy SII LTE are available. Tablet sales began end August 2012. Regulator IDA plans to auction 1800 MHz, 2.3 GHz, and 2.6 GHz spectrum. QMax Communications has been assigned channels in the 2.3 GHz band, and the 2.6 GHz band is shared between M1, PacketOne, SingTel Mobile and StarHub for which rights will expire on June 30, 2015. The1800 MHz spectrum is currently assigned to SingTel Mobile, StarHub Mobile, and M1, and will expire on March 31, 2017. IDA seeks to attract new market entrants. For 4G services in the 1800 MHz band, IDA plans to allocate 140 MHz i.e. 2 x 70 MHz paired for LTE FDD. For the 2.3 GHz band, 30 MHz will be allocated and will likely be for deployment of LTE TDD. IDA plans to allocate 150MHz of 2.6 GHz i.e. 2 x 60 MHz paired, and 30 MHz unpaired. IDA said operators that successfully bid for at least 30 MHz of spectrum in the 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands will be required to provide nationwide 4G systems and coverage by June 30, 2016 - one year after existing licenses expire. South Korea LG U Plus launched commercial LTE service with 500 base stations on July 1, 2011 in Seoul and 2 other cities, using 10 MHz in Band 5 (850 MHz) spectrum. LG U Plus announced that nationwide coverage has been achieved. LTE services are now available nationwide in 84 cities, 80 counties, and 889 towns, along all highways, and in subways, airports and railway stations. LG U Plus launched commercial HD Voice (W-AMR) VoLTE service in August 2012. SK Telecom launched commercial LTE service in Seoul on July 1, 2011 in10 MHz in Band 5 (850 MHz). The company brought forward its nationwide (84
October 1, 2012
cities) coverage date to April 1, 2012. In December 2011 SK Telecom started to install dual-mode femtocells with LTE and Wi-Fi which, according to the Small Cell Forum, are the first LTE femtocells on a commercial network. In May 2012 SK Telecom announced trialling of multi-carrier LTE-A feature to allow combining of Band 5 (850 MHz) and 1800 MHz (Band 3) assets for LTE. SK Telecom won 20 MHz of 1800 MHz spectrum in the recent auction. Their multicarrier LTE service was launched on July 1, 2012, extending across all of Seoul by end 2012 and to 23 other major cities by early 2013. SK Telecom says this is the world's first commercialization of Multi Carrier. SK Telecom confirmed it had 5 million LTE subscribers (September 6, 2012), forecasting 7 million by year end. SK Telecom launched commercial HD Voice (W-AMR) VoLTE service in August 2012. KT commercially launched LTE services in Seoul on January 3, 2012. LTE is deployed in re-farmed 1800 MHz (Band 3) spectrum (LTE1800). KT announced on April 23, 2012 that LTE coverage is available in 84 cities. The company said it could launch VoLTE service in October 2012. On August 31, 2012 KT announced its LTE service had 2 million subscribers. Regulator KCC conducted an auction in August 2011 of spectrum blocks in 800, 1800 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands. SK Telecom and KT were barred from bidding for 2.1 GHz spectrum. Winners gain immediate access to the new spectrum except for 800 MHz which will be allocated from July 2012. SK Telecom won 20 MHz of 1800 MHz spectrum. KT won 10 MHz of 800 MHz spectrum. LG U Plus won 20 MHz in 2.1 GHz and will deploy LTE in this band. Sri Lanka Dialog Axiata announced live LTE trials from May 5, 2011 in Colombo Fort and the Colombo 2, 3, 4 and Narahenpita areas of the city. Dialog Axiata is seeking additional spectrum in 1800 MHz for deployment of its commercial LTE network. Mobitel announced on May 6, 2011 completion of an LTE trial in 2.6 GHz and has trialled in other bands. Mobitel is deploying a commercial LTE network. Etisalats DC-HSPA+ network is reported as being LTE ready.
Taiwan Frequencies for LTE deployments look likely to be in the 700, 900, and 1800 MHz bands. On August 24 2012 the regulator NCC announced that from 2013, spectrum in 700, 900 and 1800 MHz bands, totaling 135 MHz x 2, will be auctioned and licenses will be technology-neutral. Spectrum will be auctioned in 5 MHz paired blocks, and prospective mobile broadband operators may need to bid for one or more blocks in order to achieve the resources required. A limit may be set on the number of sub 1GHz channels that an operator can hold. Further consultation is planned on auction rules and license terms. The APT recommendation for the 700MHz band (APT/AWF/REP-14, Sep 2010) is being followed. Chunghwa Telecom has been trialling LTE in 2.6 GHz and 700 MHz spectrum and has completed LTE tests on the high-speed rail system in TDD and FDD modes using 2.6 GHz. FarEasTone and China Mobile are co-operating on an LTE TDD trial network in Taipei. The National Chiao Tung University conducted a trial of LTE TDD in 2010. BWA operators Global Mobile, Tatung, FET and VMAX have technology-neutral licenses and can apply to alter their plans to adopt different technologies, e.g. LTE. WiMAX operator Global Mobile has applied to the government for approval to amend its license to allow a switch to LTE TDD and began testing in March, and plans to select 5 areas for a trial. PHS and WiMAX operator Fitel trialled LTE TDD for one year from July 1, 2011 in Taoyuan, and is expected to request the NCC to allow migration from WiMAX to LTE if their trial proves successful. Thailand Regulator NBTC has approved trialling of LTE in 2.3 GHz and 1800 MHz. TOT partnered its concession holder AIS to trial 2.3 GHz LTE TDD in 20 MHz of its total 64 MHz allocation, using 20 base stations in central Bangkok. The first test phase ran until May 2012. AIS subsidiary Digital Phone Co joined with CAT Telecom to test LTE FDD in 1800 MHz spectrum from mid-January 2012 in Maha Sarakham. This trial had 8 base stations and ran until March 2012. TOT plans new trials of LTE services by end 2012
October 1, 2012
involving up to 400 base stations. Regulatory approval for the trials, using 30 MHz of 2.3 GHz spectrum, is awaited. True Corp has requested approval to test LTE1800. Vietnam Regulator MIC has authorized trials by VNPT, Viettel, FPT Telecom, CMC, VTC, EVN Telecom and Gtel. RusViet Telecom (an Alltech company) trialled an LTE network in 2010 in Hanoi. Viettel said in May 2011 it had started testing an LTE deployment in Hanoi and HCM City, offering dongle-based services to 240 friendly customers. 5 mobile network operators have been running LTE trials for over a year. Digital dividend spectrum (700 MHz) will be allocated after analog TV switch over to digital; this process is scheduled to begin in 2015 in the big cities. The Vietnam government announced in June 2012 that state-owned operators Vinaphone and MobiFone are to merge (subject to approvals). The Authority of Radio Frequency Management is reported as saying that LTE-based licensing of 4G will be delayed until 2015 unless there is a significant pick up in the market for high speed data services.
Europe Abkhaz Aquafon announced that LTE testing was performed in Suchumi in co-operation with Megafon. Andorra Andorra Telecom plans to deploy LTE by 2012. Armenia VivaCell-MTS announced commercial launch of LTE services on December 28, 2011, initially in Yerevan, in 2.6 GHz spectrum. Orange organized a public demonstration of LTE at the Orange Flagship Store November 4-5, 2010 and has committed to deploy a commercial LTE network. ArmenTel (Beeline/Vimpelcom) plans to deploy LTE. Austria Regulator TKK completed the auction of 2.6 GHz spectrum on September 20, 2010, raising 39.5m from A1 Telekom Austria, Hutchison 3, T-Mobile and Orange. 14 paired and 9 unpaired frequency blocks were sold. Licenses require coverage of at least 25% population by 2013. A1 Telekom commercially launched LTE in Vienna and St. Plten on November 5, 2010. T-Mobile Austria launched commercial LTE service on July 28, 2011. In September 2012 the company announced that its LTE network covered 650,000 inhabitants of Vienna, Linz, Graz and Innsbruck, and that more than 4,000 towers had been upgraded ready for LTE services. 3 Austria commercially launched LTE FDD service in Vienna using 2.6 GHz on November 18, 2011. The possibility of also deploying LTE TDD in 2.6 GHz (i.e. band 38) is being studied. Orange Austria has tested LTE technology and won 2 x 10 MHz of 2.6 GHz spectrum in the 2010 auction.
October 1, 2012
The owner of 3 Austria confirmed in February 2012 the intent to acquire Orange Austria, which is subject to regulatory approval. Regulator TKK has published its preliminary schedule for auctioning 800 MHz, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum in September 2012. The auction was postponed because of the proposed 3 Austria Orange Austria takeover, and will not be held in 2012. Azerbaijan Azercell commercial launched LTE service in the center of Baku beginning June 19, 2012, from this date dongles went on sale. User tariffs are announced. The network uses 1800 MHz (LTE1800). Azerfon (Nar Mobile) has deployed its first LTE base station in Baku. Bakcell is deploying a commercial LTE network. WiMAX operator Sazz, (Azqtel) has 60 MHz of 3.5 GHz spectrum and is studying a possible migration to LTE TDD either in 3.5 GHz or in new bands e.g. 2.6 GHz, 2.3 GHz or 700 MHz (not yet allocated to Sazz) Belarus On April 1, 2012 former WiMAX operator Yota Bel launched a commercial LTE network in Minsk and following a test phase beginning December 1, 2011. The Belarus State Commission on Radio Frequencies issued Yota Bel a licence in December 2008 to use 2 x 30 MHz 2.6 GHz spectrum. Subscribers were offered the Yota One LU150 LTE dongle. NOTE: Yota has since ceased operations in Belarus, and its name has been removed from GSAs list of commercial LTE network launches. MTS (in co-operation with Beltelcom) and BeST (Life) completed their LTE trials by May 1, 2011. BeST (Life) has been trialling LTE and has 2x15 MHz in 2.6 GHz for commercial network deployment. Additional 900 and 1800 MHz spectrum is expected to be allocated by the regulator in future. Digital Dividend spectrum is expected from end 2015. Belgium Mobistar is testing LTE and announced its intention to deploy LTE in both 1800 and 2600 MHz bands.
Belgacom (Proximus) is deploying LTE1800. A pilot for selected customers is running in Hasselt, Mons, Waver and Haasrode. Trials are being extended to Antwerp, Ghent, Leuven, Liege and Namur. Commercial service is expected by end 2012. 2.6 GHz may be used where more capacity is needed. Base began trialling LTE in 2011. Telenet trialled LTE in 2010 and in June 2011 acquired 900, 1800, and 2100 MHz which could be used for LTE. Clearwire Belgium plans to launch an LTE TDD system by end 2012 in its existing 3.5 GHz spectrum. Regulator BIPT auctioned 4G licenses totalling US$ 103.7 million, comprising 45 MHz of 2.6 GHz TDD spectrum and 3 x 20 MHz paired blocks in 2.6 GHz for FDD systems. The auction ended November 28, 2011. New licences run for 15 years from July 1, 2012. LTE FDD spectrum was acquired by the 3 mobile incumbents and TDD spectrum was won by new entrant BUCD its choice of technology (WiMax or LTE TDD) is not yet known to GSA. BIPT launched a consultation in 2011 on opening 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz for HSPA and LTE. Bulgaria Selected M-Tel customers in Sofia, Varna, Rousse and Dobrich customers have been testing its LTE1800 pilot network free of charge since January 2012. The number of cities with LTE coverage is planned to increase gradually in 2012. Existing 900 and 1800 MHz spectrum can be used for LTE since January 2012 and LTE1800 is in deployment. On January 6, 2012 VIVACOM confirmed receipt of permission from regulator CRC to start LTE testing for which a network using 1800 MHz was built in Sofia for trials up to June 2012. An LTE1800 commercial network is now being deployed. CRC stated December 15, 2011 that 3 technologyneutral licences for vacant 1800 MHz frequencies had been granted to Max Telecom (28 MHz), 4G Com EAD (28 MHz) and Bulsatcom (25 MHz). Croatia T-Hrvatski Telekom commercially launched LTE in 10 MHz of 1800 MHz spectrum (LTE1800) on March
October 1, 2012
23, 2012 with free mobile data access on its LTE network until October 1, 2012 VIPNet demonstrated LTE in 800 MHz in March 2011 and launched a 2-week long consumer trial for 20 customers on September 1 2011 in Novi Zagreb using 800 and 1800 MHz spectrum. VIPNet announced commercial LTE1800 service launch on March 23, 2012 with free mobile data access on its LTE network until end June 2012. Velatel (Novi-net) holds 42 MHz spectrum in 3.5 GHz and is deploying an LTE TDD network since Q2 2012. Regulator HAKOM has launched a consultation into the use of 900 and 1800 MHz spectrum for mobile broadband services, including LTE deployments and has confirmed an auction will be held of digital dividend spectrum in 2H 2012 for LTE deployments. Czech Republic Telefonia O2 launched commercial LTE service in selected areas of Prague on June 19, 2012 using 1800 MHz spectrum (LTE1800). T-Mobile announced launch in July 2012 of an LTE speed test in Prague's Kamyk district comprizing 12 base stations using 20 MHz bandwidth in 2.6 GHz spectrum. The trial will run until September 2012. The company also plans to build an LTE network in 1 city by end 2012. T-Mobile is expected to begin LTE network rollout in 2013 if suitable spectrum at the forthcoming auction. In September 2011, the regulator CTU issued terms and conditions for a planned auction of 800, 1800 and 2600 MHz spectrum in 2012. In March 2012 CTU announced more details about the proposed auction to be held in November 2012. New spectrum will be allocated at end 2012 with 15 years duration. CTU said that the 1800 MHz spectrum is reserved for a possible entrant. According to latest reports 800 MHz spectrum will not be offered at this time. Denmark Regulator Telestyrelsen concluded an auction of 2500-2690 MHz and 2010-2020 MHz spectrum on May 10, 2010, awarding spectrum to Hi3G Denmark ApS; TDC A/S; Telia Nttjnster Norden AB; and
Telenor A/S. On October 12, 2010 Telestyrelsen announced that Hi3G Denmark had been granted 900 and 1800 MHz spectrum, which could be used to deploy 2G, 3G or LTE technologies nationally. Telia launched the countrys first commercial LTE system on December 9, 2010 in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg in 2.6 GHz (20 MHz). On October 10, 2011 LTE commercial service was introduced using 10 MHz of 1800 MHz (LTE1800) as a complement to 2.6 GHz. Tri-band 800/1800/2600 MHz LTE dongles and routers are available. Telenor and Telia agreed to merge their 4G/LTE, 3G and 2G networks into a JV called TT-Netvrket P/S. 4G sharing uses LTE1800 and LTE800. TDC launched commercial LTE service on October 10, 2011 in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg, Esbjerg, Randers, Kolding, Horsens, Vejle, Roskilde. 3 Denmark is deploying an LTE FDD network combined with 25 MHz of TDD spectrum, and launched its commercial LTE FDD service using 1800 and 2600 MHz spectrum on September 28, 2012, at the same time introducing the iPhone 5. TDC and TT-Netvrket P/S were awarded 800 MHz spectrum in the auction which closed on June 26, 2012. TDC won 2 x 20 MHz and TT-Netvrket won 2 x 10 MHz. 739.3 million Danish kroner (around USD124.3 million) was paid in total for the five blocks of spectrum on offer (four 2 x 5 MHz blocks and one 2 x 10 MHz block). The licences come with coverage requirements. Spectrum may be used from 2013. Estonia Regulator TJA awarded LTE licenses in 2.6 GHz spectrum to incumbent mobile operators EMT, Elisa and Tele2 plus fixed-line operator Elion Enterprises. TJA announced on December 16, 2011 that EMT, Elisa and Tele2 are permitted to deploy mobile broadband technologies e.g. LTE in 1800 MHz band. A consultation was simultaneously launched on the procedures for allocating digital dividend spectrum. EMT launched the first commercial LTE service in Estonia on December 17, 2010 in 2.6 GHz spectrum in the city centers of Tallinn, Tartu, Kohila, and at the IT College of Tallinn University of Technology. On
October 1, 2012
December 19, 2011 EMT announced start of LTE network deployment in 1800 MHz, and commercial services are now delivered using LTE1800 as well as using the 2.6 GHz band. The company expects to achieve nationwide LTE coverage by 2014. On February 22, 2012 EMT said in a press release that traffic from LTE subscribers exceeds traffic volume generated by GSM subscribers. The LTE network included 118 bases stations at that time. Tele2 Estonia is undertaking LTE trials including in 800 MHz and plans to deploy a commercial network. On January 7, 2011 Elisa confirmed receipt of 2.6 GHz spectrum for commercial LTE deployment, and in April 2011 opened test networks in Tallinn, Prnu, Viljandi, Tartu and Haapsalu. Elisa plans to launch LTE service in 2012 year after obtaining 800 MHz spectrum for rural areas and will also use 1800 MHz. Finland 20-year 2.6 GHz licenses were auctioned by regulator FICORA on 23 November 2009:

are created by means of two technologies supporting each other, LTE and DC-HSPA+. The company mainly uses 1800 MHz spectrum, and uses 2.6 GHz in populated areas where extra capacity is required. DNA is interested to use 800 MHz spectrum when it becomes available (after auction). The Ministry of Transport and Communications launched a consultation on November 4, 2011 proposing 800 MHz spectrum be auctioned, which could be by end 2013. Available frequencies total 2 x 30 MHz, to be auctioned in six 2 x 5 MHz frequency blocks. FICORA granted test licenses from early July 2011 for operators wishing to test LTE800 technology (i.e. in digital dividend spectrum). WiMAX operator Datame is preparing to introduce LTE and is a member of the Global TD-LTE Initiative. France FT/Orange has a trial LTE network in Paris supporting FDD (800, 1800, 2600 MHz) and TDD modes and a pilot LTE network in Marseille. Service launch is expected n 2012-13 timeframe. SFR trialled LTE in Marseille in 2011 and is deploying its commercial network in 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz. SFR announced that commercial LTE services will be launched on November 28, 2012 (earlier than originally scheduled), starting in Lyon, with a range of devices and tariffs based on its newly-announced DC-HSPA+ price plans. Bouygues Telecom is trialing LTE1800 in 10 MHz bandwidth using 2x2 MIMO at sites in Orlans and plans to deploy 5,000 LTE-capable base stations by end 2012 with service launch in 2013. The company is running a pilot network in Lyon from June 2012. Regulator ARCEP auctioned 2.6 GHz spectrum and confirmed the successful bidders and allocations: Bouygues: 2535-2550 MHz/2655-2670 MHz Free Mobile: 2550-2570 MHz/2670-2690 MHz FT/Orange: 2515-2535 MHz/2635-2655 MHz SFR: 2500-2515 MHz/2620-2635 MHz On January 17, 2012 ARCEP announced 800 MHz spectrum had been won by Orange, SFR and Bouygues Telecom, each receiving 2 x 10 MHz.
Elisa obtained 50 MHz, and launched a precommercial trial in Helsinki on June 2, 2010 TeliaSonera acquired five blocks of 2 x 5 MHz and launched an LTE network on June 2, 2010 for pre-commercial use in the city of Turku DNA obtained 40 MHz
Finland was the first country in Europe to allow 1800 MHz spectrum to be used for LTE deployments. TeliaSonera launched the first commercial LTE service in Finland on November 30, 2010 in Turku and Helsinki. LTE1800 was commercially launched as a complement to 2.6 GHz on August 31, 2011. Elisa commercially launched its 2.6 GHz LTE network for corporate users on December 8, 2010, and announced its first client. The company launched LTE2600/LTE1800 service combined with DCHSPA+ for consumers on November 17, 2011. Elisa says its LTE network will reach 100 cities by end 2012. Elisa claimed to have introduced the countrys first test LTE800 base stations in 2011. DNA Oy launched LTE commercial service on December 13, 2011. The company said 4G speeds
October 1, 2012
Bouygues Telecom has requested permission from ARCEP to use existing 1800 MHz for LTE. ARCEP has launched a consultation requesting feedback by September 28, 2012 including from stakeholders on the terms and methods for lifting the GSM-only restriction currently attached to 1800 MHz licences. WiMAX operator Bollore Telecom plans to introduce LTE TDD system in band 42 (3.5 GHz) and is a member of the Global TD-LTE Initiative. Germany A multiband spectrum auction was completed in May 2010, covering 360 MHz in 4 bands: 800 MHz (digital dividend), 1800 MHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.6 GHz. All 4 incumbents acquired 2.6 GHz to be used for LTE. Telefonica O2, Vodafone and Deutsche Telekom (but not E Plus) additionally acquired 800 MHz spectrum for LTE. The 800 MHz spectrum raised 3.576 billion, i.e. over 81.5% of the auctions total value. E Plus is able to use 900 MHz spectrum (in which HSPA+ will be deployed) also for LTE if it does not cause interference with other mobile networks. E Plus is conducting LTE trials in 2.1 GHz, 1800 MHz, and 2.6 GHz and LTE TDD 2.6 GHz. Since July 2011 the E Plus HQ building has LTE1800 trial coverage. E-Plus is a member of the Global TD-LTE Initiative and is trialling LTE TDD in cooperation with China Mobile, using 2.6 GHz spectrum. Vodafone launched the first rural LTE mobile broadband service across Germany on December 1, 2010. Around 1,500 base stations incorporated LTE technology by end March 2011, serving thousands of communities. Vodafone plans to eventually upgrade all base stations in Germany to LTE. Deutsche Telekom (DT) commercially launched its Call & Surf Comfort via Funk LTE service in 800 MHz on April 5, 2011. In February 2011 the company announced plans to launch LTE in 1800 MHz (LTE1800) and 2.6 GHz bands. The Speedstick LTE dongle was offered from Q3 2011 supporting LTE in 800, 1800 and 2600 MHz bands plus DC-HSPA+, HSPA and WCDMA in 2100 MHz, and EDGE/GPRS. The company commercially launched LTE service in Cologne on July 1, 2011 in 1800 MHz (LTE1800). In September 2012 DT announced that it will offer LTE download speeds up to 100 Mbps for an extra EUR
9.95/month currently customers are restricted to 21.6 Mbps when using the LTE network. DT has tested an LTE 44 MIMO system, capable of a theoretical 250 Mbps peak download speed. Telefonica O2 commercially launched LTE on July 1, 2011 in rural areas using digital dividend (800 MHz) spectrum, marketing the service as "O2 LTE fr Zuhause (at home). On July 3, 2012 O2 commercially launched mobile LTE service in urban areas, initially Nuremberg and Dresden, to be followed soon by Munich and Leipzig. First LTE mobile devices were HTC ONE XL and LG True HD LTE smartphones, the O2 4G LTE surf stick (ZTE) and Asus Transformer 300 tablet. Coverage of LTE will be available in 200 towns and cities by end 2012. Regulator BNetz is consulting on post-2016 requirements for channels in the 900 and 1800 MHz bands (GSM assignments expire in December 2016). A survey in April 2012 by trade association Bitkom found that German LTE networks cover 13 million households and that there are now around 3,000 LTE enabled base station across the country with around 150,000 subscribers using the service. Georgia Magticom is trialling LTE; 1800MHz is an option. Greece Cosmote has completed LTE testing in 900 and 1800 MHz which included a pilot LTE network running at its technical and network HQ near Athens. An extended cell technology trial was completed in 2011. Regulator EETT completed an auction of 900 and 1800 MHz technology-neutral licenses on November 14, 2011 to incumbents Cosmote, Vodafone and Wind raising 380.5 million Euros. Operators seek flexibility to deploy LTE in either or both bands, recognizing that 1800 MHz is especially attractive for mobile broadband service using LTE. Analogue TV switchover is planned by 2013. Hungary T-Mobile (MT) commercially launched LTE1800 technology based services on January 1, 2012
October 1, 2012
initially in 10 districts of Budapest (over 40% of Budapests population was covered). Indoor coverage in Budapest is 73% of the population (June 2012). Telenor Hungary commercially launched LTE service on July 5, 2012 using 1800 MHz (LTE1800) under the brand Hipernet 84. Telenor is offering 84 Mbps maximum nominal download speed in 60 towns covering a population of 700,000 (July 2012). On August 4, 2011 the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH) launched the auction process for the frequency usage rights of 7 spectrum blocks in the 900 MHz band for GSM, UMTS, WiMAX or LTE services. There were 6 bidders; Telenor Magyarorszg, Magyar Posta led consortium, RCS and RDS, Vodafone Magyarorszg, Magyar Telekom (MT/T-Mobile) and Viettel Group. On January 31, 2012 NMHH published the results of the 900 MHz spectrum auction: the frequency usage right of one EGSM-band duplex frequency block of 5 MHz went to the Magyar Posta-MFB Invest Zrt.-MVM Zrt. consortium along with the 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz duplex spectrum blocks (15 MHz each); MT won altogether 2 MHz duplex spectrum block in the 900 MHz bands; Vodafone Magyarorszg won 2 MHz spectrum block in the E-GSM band; Telenor Magyarorszg won altogether 1.8 MHz duplex spectrum block in the E-GSM band. Ireland 3 Ireland is preparing to commercially launch LTE; the date depends on availability of suitable spectrum. Ericsson completed LTE TDD testing in June 2010. Regulator ComReg launched the auction process on May 25, 2012 to cover the 800, 900 and 1800 MHz bands for the period 2013-2030. In total 140 MHz of paired spectrum will be offered. The deadline for submission of Application Forms and submitting deposits was July 20, 2012.
www.comreg.ie/_fileupload/publications/ComReg1253.pdf
Italy After 22 days of bidding and 469 rounds, Italys spectrum auction closed with the four incumbents TIM, Vodafone Italy, Wind and 3 Italia submitting bids totalling over 3.9 billion (US$ 5.2 billion). Spectrum was awarded in 800, 1800 and 2600 MHz bands and can be used from end 2011 (1800 MHz), end 2012 (2.6 GHz), and January 2013 (800 MHz). 3 Italia is deploying LTE1800 and from 2013 intends to offer multicarrier aggregation (an LTE-A feature) allowing LTE1800 and LTE2600 to be used together. Vodafone Italy announced it had secured 60 MHz of new spectrum, comprising 2 x 10 MHz in 800 MHz, 2 x 5 MHz in 1800 MHz, and 2 x 15 MHz in 2.6 GHz. According to recent press reports, Vodafone will commercially launch LTE services in 2013 and plans to trial LTE at soccer stadiums, initially in Turin. Telecom Italia launched its LTE program in 2009 followed by trials. A public users trial was launched in Turin February 16-22, 2012. The company has spectrum for LTE in 800, 1800 and 2600 MHz bands. Wind plans early 2013 LTE launch in all major cities. Jersey Clear Mobitel announced September 17, 2010 it had received a 2.6 GHz LTE test license. Kazakhstan Kcell plans to deploy a commercial LTE network and on July 29, 2010 announced installation of a base station in Astana to showcase LTE. On April 26, 2010 Beeline confirmed completion of LTE tests in 700 MHz, and in October 2010 announced launch of a live LTE pilot network in Almaty. Tele2 has also signaled interest in deploying LTE. Altel (CDMA operator) also plans to deploy a commercial LTE network. TeliaSonera plans to acquire the WiMAX. operations of Alem Communications. The acquisition includes a WiMAX. network in six major cities and frequencies in the 2.5/2.6 GHz band, which are compatible for use with other mobile data transmission technologies as wll as WiMAX.
ComReg is reviewing the future of the 2.6 GHz band including a review of the operation of existing licences within this spectrum.
www.comreg.ie/_fileupload/publications/ComReg1209.pdf
October 1, 2012
According to a local report the Minister of Communications has confirmed that preparations for the introduction of LTE services will begin this year, with a view to commercial LTE services being available in Almaty and Astana during 2013. Frequencies provisionally set to be allocated for LTE include 700/800 MHz, 2.6 GHz and 2.3 GHz. Kyrgyzstan Saima Telecom launched commercial 2.6 GHz FDD LTE services in Bishtek on December 9, 2011. Latvia LMT launched the countrys first commercial LTE1800 system on May 31, 2011. Bite is deploying a commercial LTE network. Fixed operator Lattelecom is reported to be ready to offer LTE services, subject to shareholder approval. Lattelecom carried out tests in 850MHz in 2011. CDMA operator Triatel is testing LTE in 800 MHz. After a day and half of bidding which began January 2, 2012 LMT, Tele2, Bite and Baltcom all gained new 2.6 GHz spectrum, which can be used from January 1, 2014. Licenses are valid for 15 years. Latvia will license the 850 MHz digital dividend. Lithuania Omnitel launched commercial LTE service on April 28, 2011 in Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipda, iauliai and Panevys using 1800 MHz. Modems support LTE800/1800/2600, GSM1800, GSM/UMTS900 and UMTS2100. Omnitel won 2 x 20 MHz of 2.6 GHz spectrum in the March 2012 auction. The network has since been expanded to cover holiday towns. Tele2 held a public LTE demonstration in December 2010 and obtained 2 x 20 MHz of 2.6 GHz spectrum in the March 2012 auction. Bite Lithuania is trialling LTE and obtained 2 x 20 MHz of 2.6 GHz spectrum in the March 2012 auction. Regulator RRT confirmed the result of the 2.6 GHz auction on March 20, 2012. Winners were Omnitel, Tele2 and Bite. Coverage obligations are stipulated.
Luxembourg The Institute Luxembourgeois de Rgulation (ILR) awarded LTE licences to P & T, Orange and Tango. ILR also granted extra 1800 MHz spectrum at the request of the operators. Tango Luxembourg commercially launched its LTE network on October 1, 2012 for 60% of the population, increasing to 90% by end 2012. Orange announced the results of its trial 20 MHz LTE network on September 8, 2010 and is deploying a commercial LTE network. P & T is deploying a commercial LTE network. Macedonia Regulator AEC is consulting with operators on the best way to introduce LTE and a spectrum auction. The release of 800 MHz spectrum is scheduled for June 1, 2013. Applications for 800 MHz can be made. Moldova Orange Moldova plans to deploy a commercial LTE network. LTE capabilities were showcased at the first Orange Expo in September 2011 and a trial network is deployed in Chiinu. Moldcell demonstrated LTE technical readiness on February 3, 2012. InterDnestrCom (IDC) launched commercial LTE service in 800 MHz in Trans-Dniester in the capital Tiraspol, connecting its first customer April 21, 2012. Regulator ANRCETI has offered 4G licenses to each of the 3 incumbent mobile networks. Licenses will be awarded by end 2012 for spectrum in the ranges 2500-2690 MHz and 3600-3800 MHz. Each license will cost EUR10 million. Any unsold will be offered via public tender. ANRCETI also plans a public tender for a license to use 3750-3800 MHz spectrum. Monaco Monaco Telecom has been granted access to LTE spectrum and is trialing LTE for test customers. If a successful outcome, commercial service could be
October 1, 2012
launched by end 2013. Cable and Wireless, the main shareholder, chose Monaco as the Groups test-bed. Montenegro On November 8, 2011 Telenor announced start of LTE trials in Podgorica, and on November 22, 2011 announced LTE coverage in Cetinje. The company is targeting commercial service launch in 2012. Velatel (Montenegro Connect) has 40 MHz in 3.5 GHz and is now deploying an LTE TDD network. Netherlands 2.6 GHz FDD spectrum was auctioned in April 2010 and awarded to incumbents KPN, Vodafone, TMobile, newcomers Ziggo 4 (currently an MVNO on KPNs network) and Tele2. The TDD spectrum was not bought. Vodafone NL launched commercial LTE service in Eindhoven on May 1, 2012. Ziggo launched commercial LTE service on May 3, 2012 for its Internet Plus business customers in Breda, Oss and Zwolle. Tele2 NL launched commercial LTE service on May 8, 2012 in Amstelveen, Amsterdam, Haarlem, Lelystad and Tilburg. KPN launched commercial LTE service on May 11, 2012 in The Hague and Utrecht for business users. T-Mobile launched commercial LTE service on May 11, 2012 for business users in Delft, Gorinchem, Leiden, Rotterdam, and The Hague. Regulator OPTA will begin an auction of 800, 900 and 1800 MHz spectrum on October 31, 2012. 2 x 10 MHz in the 800 MHz band and 2 x 5 MHz in the 900 MHz band is reserved for new entrants. Norway Norway held Europes first 2.6 GHz auction in 2007 which was awarded to incumbents TeleNor and TeliaSonera (NetCom); total allocation 2 x 90 MHz. TeliaSonera launched the worlds first LTE networks in Oslo (NetCom) and Sweden in December 2009.
TeleNor has trialled LTE in Oslo and is deploying a commercial network to be launched by end 2012. Regulator NPT confirmed that the 790-862 MHz spectrum auction will be held in 2013. Poland The worlds first LTE1800 network was deployed by Aero2 and commercially launched on September 7, 2010 by Mobyland and CenterNet. The primary customer is Cyfrowy Polsat an MVNO, who launched commercial services on August 30, 2011. (GSA does not categorize MVNOs as networks therefore Cyfrowy Polsat is not included in GSAs list of commercially launched LTE networks). In November 2009 Aero2, a member of the Global TD-LTE Initiative, acquired 50 MHz in Band 38 for LTE TDD. After testing in Aleksandrw dzki and d, Aero2 announced the launch of their LTE TDD network in May 2011 and the start of availability of their dual LTE network, since Aero2 had already deployed an LTE1800 network as stated above. Polkomtel was acquired on June 30, 2011 by Spartan Capital Holdings, which is indirectly controlled by Zygmunt Solorz-Zak, chairman/founder of Cyfrowy Polsat, and who controls Aero2, owner of Mobyland. Polkomtel operates a GSM 900/1800 and 3G/2100 network. Polkomtel launched commercial LTE services as an MVNO on November 29, 2011 under its Plus brand, utilizing the LTE 1800 and HSPA+900 networks of Aero2 and Mobyland/Centernet in 16 major cities, representing 22% population coverage, for customers using the Huawei E398 dongle. (Note: GSA does not categorize MVNOs as networks - therefore Polkomtel is not included in GSAs list of commercially launched LTE networks). Polkomtel announced that network modernization contracts have been placed, including for LTE1800. Regulator UKE (Urzd Komunikacji Elektronicznej) has launched a tender process for 2.6 GHz and digital dividend (790-862 MHz) spectrum, which can be used for LTE. New 1800 MHz spectrum is also likely to be auctioned in 2012.
October 1, 2012
UOKiK (Office of Competition and Consumer Protection) approved plans by PTK Centertel (Orange) and P4 (Play) to create a combined LTE network. This new JV will be allowed to bid in the 2.6 GHz auction in 2012. T-Mobile (PTC/ERA) is interested in deploying LTE and new infrastructure systems are LTE-ready. Portugal Regulator ANACOM announced the results of its auction on December 12, 2011 after 9 bidding rounds. Spectrum in 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz was sold to the 3 incumbents. Vodafone also acquired 2 x 5 MHz of additional 900 MHz spectrum, but another block was not sold. Spectrum in 450 MHz and 2.1 GHz was left unsold. TMN commercially launched LTE service on March 12, 2012 in 2.6 GHz. By end March coverage was 20%, and exceeded 80% in April 2012 as 800 MHz was brought into use (digital TV switchover was completed April 26th). TMN plans > 90% by end 2012. Vodafone commercially launched LTE service on March 12, 2012 in 2.6 GHz. The LTE network will eventually use 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz. Optimus launched commercial LTE service on March 15, 2012 and is using 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz in more dense areas. 800 MHz spectrum is also being used in less dense areas. Romania On July 2, 2012 regulator ANCOM published the rules for the auction of 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2600 MHz spectrum for mobile communications services in the 2013-2029 timeframe. The auction took place amongst 5 bidders - Orange, Vodafone, Cosmote, RCS & RDS, and 2K Telecom - on September 10, 2012. Orange acquired new spectrum in the 800, 900, 1800 and 2600 MHz bands in the auction and said that the company will introduce LTE in Bucharest by end 2012, utilizing 1800 MHz (LTE1800). Vodafone acquired additional spectrum also in the 800, 900, 1800 and 2600 MHz bands, paying EUR 228.52 million. Vodafone is expected to launch commercial LTE services in early 2013.
Russia MTS, Vimpelcom, Tele2, MegaFon and Rostelecom are committed to deploying LTE. The Regulator in principle admits that technology neutrality can be applied to 900/1800MHz spectrum. However, to avoid GSM service quality deterioration if LTE is launched alongside GSM frequencies this topic was examined further in a study in 2012. On February 2, 2012 MTS announced the company had been awarded the first license to provide LTE services in Moscow and the Moscow region. The license granted is for LTE TDD deployment in the 2595 2620 MHz range (in band 38) and is valid until December 29, 2016. MTS announced commercial launch of its LTE TDD service (replacing its WiMAX service) on September 1, 2012 initially covering most of Moscow and 40 population centers in the surrounding Moscow region. MTS aims for its LTE services to cover 96% of Moscow and double the number of population centers in the Moscow Region by end 2012. Tele2 Russia has requested permission to deploy LTE1800. In October 2011 Tele2 indicated it would conduct an independent trial of LTE technology in the 1800 MHz band, and applied to the State Commission for Radio Frequencies (SCRF) for permission to run tests in Pskov and Omsk, setting aside 5 MHz of spectrum in 1800 MHz for the tests. Tele2 has already provided the results of earlier research commissioned by themselves as well as from reports by leading global manufacturers of telecommunication equipment showing that GSM and LTE networks can operate simultaneously in the 1800 MHz frequency band. The efficiency of this solution was clearly demonstrated by research carried out and published in a report by the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) this free report Embracing the 1800MHz opportunity: Driving mobile forward with LTE in the 1800MHz band may be downloaded by registered GSA website site users at www.gsacom.com Tele2 Russia announced successful completion of tests by end March 2012 in trial zones in Omsk and Pskov. Tests were performed according to a method developed by the State Radio Institute and with the assistance of its experts, and intended to demonstrate that LTE and GSM technologies can share the same frequencies without degrading the
October 1, 2012
quality of end user service. Tele2 showed that the test results confirmed that there was no service quality degradation in the GSM network, while the data transmission rate in the LTE network reached 75 megabits per second. A detailed report on the LTE technology testing in the 1800 MHz band was prepared by NIIR and submitted to the State Commission for Radio Frequencies. www.en.tele2.ru/news.html?year=2012&month=3 &news_id=6170 MegaFon and Rostelecom, general partners of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games, successfully tested LTE networks close to the key Sochi site of Roza Khutor. LTE capabilities will be showcased during the 2014 Games. The Defence Ministry has reportedly given Rostelecom approval to deploy LTE TDD in 2.3 GHz spectrum. MegaFon showcased LTE at the IX International Investment Forum (Sochi) in Sept 2010. Megafon acquired WiMAX operator Synterra in 2010, has reportedly built 300 LTE TDD sites in Moscow, and is waiting for approval to use the spectrum for commercial operation. Megafon has an agreement with Yota to operate as an MVNO over Yotas LTE network and is currently offering services as an MVNO in Moscow, Novosibirsk, Krasnodar, Sochi, Ufa, Samara, Vladivostok, Kazan, and St. Petersburg. (Note: GSA does not categorize MVNOs as networks and therefore does not include Megafon in its list of commercial network launches regarding this TDD-enabled service). In September 2011 SCRF issued an authorization for Yota (Scartel) to deploy an LTE FDD network in 2.6 GHz spectrum in 180 cities. Yota is shifting from WiMAX to LTE and launched commercial LTE FDD service in Novosibirsk, Siberia on January 15, 2012 following a friendly-launch test phase which began on December 20, 2011. Yota launched commercial LTE service in Moscow on May 10, 2012, Krasnodar (also on May 10), and Sochi (May 11) and plans to deploy 1,550 LTE-enabled base stations instead of current WiMax equipment. Service has since been launched in several other locations including Samara (May 23, 2012), Ufa (July 28, 2012), and St. Petersburg (August 31, 2012). Yota expects its whole customer base will migrate to LTE within three years. In September 2011, VimpelCom announced an LTE network-sharing deal with rival MTS, while MegaFon
and Rostelecom signed an agreement with Yota to jointly use operators infrastructure. However the future of this deal is uncertain following the completion of the LTE auction procedure (see below). OJSC Osnova Telecom has a Russia-wide license for 2.3 GHz LTE TDD and has been trialling LTE TDD in Rostov, Moscow and Kubinka. Commercial service must be launched by January 26, 2014. Vainah Telecom has a license to deploy LTE TDD in 2.3 GHz in Chechen Republic and is in study phase. Antares Group has deployed 5 LTE base stations for a trial network using 1900 1920 MHz (Band 33) spectrum in Moscow intended for further expansion and is targeting commercial launch in 2012. SMARTS Group has deployed a pilot LTE trial network in Ufa. The trial comprises at least 7 base stations and re-uses SMARTS existing 1800 MHz spectrum. The trial involved cooperation of the NIIR and the findings were presented to SCRF. WiMAX operator Enforta, providing services to business users in 172 cities, plans to launch a test LTE TDD network (3.5 GHz) in Kemerovo. Smoltelecom is planning to introduce LTE and is a member of the Global TD-LTE Initiative. On May 3, 2012 Russian regulator Roskomnadzor published the conditions for application for and subsequent awarding of LTE licenses in 791-862 MHz spectrum, comprising four lots, each consisting of two 7.5 MHz blocks in the range of 791-862 MHz. Recipients of each of the lots would also be awarded two 7.5 MHz blocks in the 720-791 MHz range and two 10 MHz blocks in the 2500 2690 MHz range. All licenses are nationwide. Compensation must be paid to existing spectrum users in the offered bands. Eight companies submitted bids to participate in the auction, MegaFon, Vimpelcom, MTS, Rostelecom, Summa Telecom, TTK, Tele2-Voronezh, and Tele2-Omsk. LTE licenses were granted to MTS, Vimpelcom, Megafon, and Rostelecom with the conditions that the network must be launched by mid 2013, annual investment targets must be met (RUB 15 billion), and nationwide coverage by 2019. Each operator was granted spectrum in the digital dividend band (720-750 MHz and 761791 MHz) plus 2,500 2,690 MHz spectrum. Rostelecom has stated its
October 1, 2012
intention to launch its LTE service in the North Caucasus federal district in 2013. Slovak Republic Regulator TU SR granted licenses to Telefonica O2, Orange and T-Mobile Slovensko for each to trial LTE FDD networks in 2.6 GHz in Bansk Bystrica. Telefonica O2 commercially launched LTE services on August 2, 2012 using LTE1800. Orange has committed to deploy a commercial LTE network. TU SR is considering auctioning 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum for LTE use in 2012. TU SR is also considering whether to reserve additional 900 MHz and 1800 MHz channels for a new participant, which could also be used for LTE services. Slovenia Si.mobil announced commercial launch of LTE service on July 12, 2012 in Ljubljana, Brnik, and Bled using 1800 MHz spectrum (LTE1800). Mobitel deployed an LTE1800 trial network in Ljubljana and began testing June 1, 2011. Mobitel plans deployment of LTE and LTE Advanced in 800/1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz. LTE1800 will be commercially launched in 2012. Spain In June 2010 Ministerio de Industria, Turismo y Comercio (MITYC) launched a consultation on reallocation of 2.6 GHz and re-farming of 900/1800 MHz. An auction began on June 29, 2011 for 58 blocks of 800, 900 MHz and 2.6 GHz frequencies, with licences valid to 2030. The auction ended on July 29, 2011 raising 1.65bn for 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz licenses. Spectrum was won by Vodafone, Telefnica and FT-Orange. 800 MHz channels can be used from 2014 after digital TV switchover. 2.6 GHz can be used now. Vodafone plans to use both bands for LTE, and re-farm 900 MHz for additional rural HSPA or LTE-based coverage. Telefnica has commercial pilot networks in Madrid and Barcelona. Vodafone announced in September
2011 opening of pre-commercial LTE pilot networks in Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga. Orange announced plans for commercial rollout of LTE in Valencia and Barcelona in 2012, where its pilot networks are running. Yoigo acquired 1800 MHz spectrum in 2011 for LTE1800. Regional start-up LTE operation COTA is trialling LTE TDD in Regin de Murcia, south-eastern Spain. Sweden TeliaSonera launched the worlds first LTE networks in Stockholm and Norway (Oslo) in December 2009. A multiband 800/1800/2600 MHz multimode modem was introduced July 2011. In May 2012 the company said LTE covers two-thirds of the population and had 140,000 LTE subscriptions. On October 1, 2012 TeliaSonera became the first LTE operator in Europe to offer the LTE Cat4 modem (Huawei E3276). Tele2 Sweden and TeleNor Sweden deployed an LTE network through a jointly-owned company (Net4Mobility), which includes spectrum sharing in 900 MHz and 2.6 GHz. Using this network, Tele2 Sweden and TeleNor Sweden commercially launched LTE services to their respective customers on November 15, 2010, initially in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmo and Karlskrona. In May 2012 Tele2 Sweden and Telenor Sweden announced joint trials of an LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network. Hutchison 3 is deploying an LTE FDD network and also using 50 MHz of TDD spectrum bought from Intel. Network technical readiness was announced by its infrastructure vendor on December 15, 2011. Commercial LTE service was launched April 23, 2012 according to information provided by the operator to GSA. LTE is currently offered in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmo and Lund. The LTE network uses TDD in 2.6 GHz and FDD in 2.6 GHz and 800 MHz. Customers may also use 3G/HSPA up to 42 Mbps (peak DL) in 2.1 GHz and 900 MHz bands. An auction for 800 MHz opened on February 28, 2011 and ended after 5 days and 31 rounds. All the winners will use this spectrum for LTE. An auction for a total of 2 x 35 MHz of 1800 MHz spectrum, for use from January 2, 2013, began on October 11, 2011. TeliaSonera acquired more nationwide frequencies in the 1800 MHz band. The new frequencies will be used for their LTE network and for strengthening the
October 1, 2012
mobile telephony network. In addition to its existing 10 MHz, TeliaSonera has also acquired 2 x2 5 MHz in 1800 MHz spectrum. The new licences are valid for 25 years from 2013. Operators in Sweden are not allowed to use LTE on 1800 until 1 January according to the regulator. A consultation has started to determine interest/future use of 2.3 GHz (Band 40). Net4Mobility also acquired more 1800 MHz spectrum for LTE1800. It means Net4Mobility and TeliaSonera each has 2 x 35 MHz in 1800 MHz. Switzerland Orange is preparing to introduce LTE service. Demonstrations will be available in Orange Centers in various cities this year, followed by a trial period with selected customers in 2013. Commercial LTE service rollout is planned in 2013 in up to 6 cities. Swisscom launched a pilot LTE project on December 8, 2011 in tourist locations and has promoted LTE at retail outlets since January 2012. The company plans to deploy LTE across 12 cities and towns by end 2012, and begin nationwide rollout in 2013. Sunrise plans LTE in urban areas, possibly ski resorts. The first sites will be upgraded by end 2012. Regulator ComCom announced on February 23, 2012 the results of its auction which re-allocated frequencies used for licences which were due to expire, as well as the issue of new spectrum. http://www.comcom.admin.ch/aktuell/00429/00457/00 560/index.html?lang=en&msg-id=43520 Turkey Turkcell has trialled LTE. In stationary tests downlink speeds up to 170 Mbps were achieed. On April 6, 2012 Turkcell announced results of its mobile LTE trial in an area between Kartal and Maltepe (Istanbul). http://ekonomi.milliyet.com.tr/turkcell-mobilinternette-4g-hizinda-saha-testinigecti/ekonomi/ekonomidetay/07.04.2012/1525128/ default.htm GSM1800 operator Avea announced on September 15, 2011 a successful trial of LTE on its commercial base stations. Vodafone has trialled LTE and has GSM/HSPA infrastructure which is also LTE-capable.
There is no firm date for an LTE spectrum auction. Ukraine MTS-Ukraine is trialling LTE. ITC (CDMA Ukraine) is considering deploying LTE in 850 MHz spectrum. United Kingdom UK Broadband is deploying LTE TDD and on February 29, 2012 announced it had switched on its first system in London. This was the worlds first TDLTE 3.5GHz deployment and the first commercial LTE deployment in the UK, and uses allocations within the companys 124 MHz of spectrum in Bands 42 and 43 (3.5/3.6GHz). UK Broadband operates a wholesale model and launched commercial services on June 28, 2012 in London. The network is now also deployed in Reading. O2 has tested LTE in 2.6 GHz spectrum and trialled LTE800 in Carlisle from mid 2010. In November 2011 the company started a large-scale LTE trial in central London, lasting until summer 2012, using 20 MHz of test spectrum in the 2.6 GHz band. The trial ran across 25 LTE cell sites and covered 40 sq. km. Triallists used Samsung B3730 dongles, personal wireless hotspots and handsets. O2 plans commercial LTE service launch in 2013. Manx Telecom (Isle of Man) plans to trial LTE with a view to possible commercial services launch in 2013. Arqiva is running an LTE trial in Wales using 800 MHz spectrum to demonstrate the economic and technical viability of a neutral-host wireless network. EE (formerly Everything Everywhere), owner of Orange and T-Mobile UK collaborated with BT from 2011 on an LTE trial in 800 MHz test spectrum in a rural area of south west England; around 200 residents participated. EE announced a large investment program (1.5 billion UK Pounds) for its 3G/HSPA network to support growing data use, including backhaul, which can be easily upgraded for LTE. EE is conducting various LTE1800 trials including one in Cumbria, northern England, with local residents and business users. EE is also trialling LTE1800 in Bristol. In January 2012 EE requested permission from regulator Ofcom to deploy commercial LTE services in re-farmed 1800 MHz
October 1, 2012
spectrum, for which approval has been given. On September 11, 2012 EE announced its new band and confirmed commercial service would be launched in 16 UK cities by Christmas, covering 20 million people, with nationwide rollout to continue reaching 98% of the population by 2014. EE also announced on September 11, 2012 the activation of live testing networks in London, Bristol, Cardiff and Birmingham. Ofcom has authorized all five mobile operators to trade the rights to the radio spectrum they hold, covering 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz. EE is preparing to sell some of its 1800 MHz spectrum as a regulatory requirement attached to the creation of the Orange/T-Mobile joint venture. 3 UK is operating a pilot LTE network in Maidenhead and Slough, to be followed by a consumer-based trial, and recently awarded an infrastructure supply contract. 3 UK has agreed to purchase 2 x 15 MHz of 1800 MHz spectrum from Everything everywhere, and plans commercial launch of LTE service in 2013. Initially planned for 2009, the 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz auction by Ofcom of LTE spectrum was delayed by a change of government, and failure to reach consensus amongst and with mobile operators. Bidding in the auction is expected to begin Q1 2013. A second consultation on the award of 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum requested comments by March 22, 2012. Another consultation is about co-existence of mobile services and digital TV in 800 MHz. Ofcom has launched a consultation on use of 700 MHz spectrum for mobile broadband, following the Resolution passed at WRC 2012 that could lead to ITU Region 1 i.e. Europe, Africa, Middle East adopting 700 MHz for mobile broadband from 2015. Uzbekistan MTS announced on July 28, 2010 commercial launch of the first LTE network (pre-commercial service) in the CIS and Central Asia, in Tashkent and plans significant coverage expansion. Ucell (TeliaSonera) announced commercial LTE network launch (precommercial service) in Tashkent on August 9, 2010. Beeline Uzbekistan announced its LTE network in Tashkent entered into a test phase in February 2012.
Middle East and Africa Angola Movicel launched commercial LTE1800 service in Cabinda on April 14, 2012 and is extending network coverage areas with Luanda now covered. Unitel is trialling LTE in 2.1 GHz and showcased LT at the Filda Exhibition, July 2011. Bahrain Zain confirmed in August 2009 plans to deploy LTE, and showcased the regions first LTE call in March 2010. VIVA launched a small scale commercial LTE network on January 1, 2012 in the Bahrain City Centre retail and leisure complex in Manama. Batelco announced its LTE trial held in Hamala in December 2011, and showcased VoD over LTE during the International Air Show 2012. Regulator TRA has confirmed plans to offer additional radio spectrum in Q1 2013, comprising 2.6 GHz FDD spectrum for release in 2 x 40 MHz paired tranches. 900 and 1800 MHz spectrum may also be offered plus 15 MHz of 1.9 GHz unpaired spectrum. Botswana Mascom Wireless announced on June 12, 2012 the setting up of an LTE pilot trial network. Egypt Vodafone, Mobinil and Etisalat Misr have each trialled LTE. Etisalat Misr is currently waiting for responses to its contract tender documents. Vodafone has signed its infrastructure vendor to deploy a commercial LTE network Ghana Glo Mobile announced planned start of commercial operations on January 19, 2012. Parent Globacom planned to invest c. $600 million to deploy a unique, seamless and world class LTE network. It is unclear to GSA if commercial service launch is achieved.
October 1, 2012
The National Information Technology Agency (NITA) is upgrading its WiMAX network to LTE by end 2012. Ghana aims to transition from analog to digital TV by end 2014. Israel Cellcom awarded infrastructure upgrade contracts to two suppliers one for the north, one for the south. Spectrum for commercial service is awaited. Jordan Zain Jordan plans to launch LTE service in 2012. Regulator TRC has invited comments from incumbents on proposals for 2.6 GHz LTE licenses. Kenya Safaricom has trialled LTE in its existing 3G spectrum. The government favors a single LTE network with Private Public Partnership ownership. Kuwait Viva Kuwait commercially launched LTE services on December 27, 2011. Zain Kuwait began trialling LTE in 2010. Lebanon MTC Touch is deploying an LTE network initially with 50 base stations. Alfa is deploying an LTE network in 800 MHz (band 20) and 2.6 GHz. Libya Al Madar plans to deploy an LTE network. Madagascar WiMAX BWA operator Blueline is deploying a commercial LTE TDD system (2.3 GHz). Mauritius Orange Mauritius commercially launched LTELTE1800 on June 21, 2012 in parts of Port Luis.
Emtel soft-launched its LTE1800 network on May 29, 2012, and commercially launched at end July 2012 Morocco Regulator ANRT is preparing for a spectrum auction for LTE in Autumn 2012, implying commercial systems could launch by end 2013 or early 2014. Namibia On 30 March 2012 the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) converted operating licences owned by MTC, AfricaOnline and WTN to incorporate technology and service neutrality. MTC launched commercial LTE service on May 16, 2012 in Windhoek in 1800 MHz (LTE1800) and plans to cover 45% of the population with LTE within 12 months, including part of the rural areas. MTC gained its first 1,000 LTE customers within 3 months. Leo (Cell One) has confirmed interest in acquiring sub-1GHz (i.e. digital dividend) spectrum for LTE. Nigeria Globacom provides LTE-connectivity to a 3rd party company providing wireless backhaul services to corporate users in Lagos and other cities. Globacom plans to launch LTE for mobile users in future. Zoda Fones is deploying a commercial LTE TDD network in 2.6 GHz (band 38). CDMA operator Starcomms is studying deployment of LTE. A proposal is in development to merge Starcomms, Multilinks and MTS First Wireless to form CAPCOM. This new company would seek to refarm 20 MHz of spectrum in the 1900 MHz band to allow it to become the first national LTE broadband operator. Oman Omantel was the first Arab network to join the Global TD-LTE Initiative (GTI) and launched commercial LTE TDD service on July 16, 2012 in band 40 (2.3 GHz). Nawras showcased LTE in March 2012 in the Muscat Grand Mall, and in April 2012 announced its supplier for its commercial 2.3 GHz LTE TDD network.
October 1, 2012
Qatar On December 7, 2010 Vodafone announced a live demonstration of LTE in 800 MHz spectrum. Qtel completed a nationwide LTE800 trial and on October 4, 2011 announced its commercial network deployment program with nearly 900 LTE base stations planned. In September 2012 Qtel said that hundreds of customers will take part in trials using the LTE network ahead of planned commercial service launch in Doha by end 2012. Saudi Arabia Etisalat (Mobily) commercially launched LTE TDD on September 14, 2011 via its Bayanat subsidiary, in Najran, Jazan, Al Kharj, Ras tanoura, Algurayat and Aldudam in band 38 (2.6 GHz). After 2 weeks the service had been extended to 31 cities. STC commercially launched LTE TDD service in Riyadh and Dammam on September 14, 2011 in band 40 (2.3 GHz). By May 2012 STC had upgraded 1,500 base stations serving 38 cities and is targeting 65% pop coverage by end 2012. Zain launched commercial LTE1800 (FDD) service in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam on September 14, 2011, planning expansion to all major cities by end 2012. South Africa MTN is deploying LTE1800 and expects to have 400500 live sites by end 2012 in Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria. A pilot LTE1800 trial network using 10 MHz of refarmed 1800 MHz spectrum was launched in Guateng in July 2011. 2.6 GHz and 800 MHz spectrum is being sought. Vodacom says that 75% of its sites are LTE-ready. Commercial launch is expected by end 2012. Cell C is trialling LTE in existing 900 MHz and in test 850 MHz spectrum. Telkom South Africa (8ta) said its network is futureproofed for LTE. The company will use re-farmed 1800 MHz spectrum (LTE1800). 8ta also has 70 MHz of 2.3 GHz TDD spectrum.
CDMA operator Neotel is trialling LTE in Midrand in own 800 MHz. Neotel also owns 3.5 GHz spectrum. Wireless Business Solutions (WBS), holding interests in iBurst and Broadlink, plans to deploy LTE from 2H 2012. iBurst has 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum; both bands are suitable for LTE. Regulator ICASA held a briefing on December 14, 2011 to announce its approach to licensing digital dividend and 2.6 GHz bands; applications were required by March 23, 2012. The aim was to complete licensing by April 30, 2012. The auction has since been postponed until further notice. Digital TV switchover was due to begin April 2012. Tanzania Following a pilot test phase in April 2012, Smile announced on May 30, 2012 commercial LTE service launch in 800 MHz (band 20) in Dar es Salaam and plans nationwide coverage within one year. Tunisia Tunisiana is upgrading its network to 3G and LTE. UAE Regulator TRA has informed operators that 2.6 GHz for LTE deployments is available. TRA is also studying and planning frequency ranges 694-790 MHz and 790-862 MHz expected to be vacated after digital switchover. As data traffic is growing on mobile networks and there is increasing demand to offer more spectrum for mobile broadband to enable higher data rate services, TRA said it strives to meet the needs of the sector and seeks the views and feedback from the sector for planning of these bands. TRA launched a public consultation on 694-862 MHz; comments were required July 5, 2012. Etisalat launched commercial LTE service on September 25, 2011. LTE USB modems were widely introduced at Etisalat outlets on December 18, 2011. Etisalat uses 2.6 GHz spectrum indoors and 1800 MHz outdoors in urban areas, and 1800 MHz in suburban areas. Etisalat is seeking an allocation of 800 MHz for nationwide coverage. Coverage
October 1, 2012
currently includes major cities and represents 70% population coverage. Tablets and smartphones will be introduced in Q3 2012. Introduction of VoLTE by end 2012 is a goal. Du launched commercial LTE1800 service on June 12, 2012.
VoLTE global status

LTE systems are all-IP, optimized for data transfer. LTE does not include any circuit switched capability as used on previous technologies for voice and SMS services. Since voice and SMS generate in the region of 70% of operator revenues globally, voice service is needed on LTE networks. With VoLTE (Voice over LTE defined in GSMA specification VoLTE IR.92, based on open global 3GPP standards), subscribers can use HD Voice and other new richer communication services using their LTE smartphones. VoLTE aims to provide a voice service which is at least as reliable as on current cellular systems, but doing so over an all-IP network in a shared resource environment. The operator needs to have an IMS (IP Multimedia System) core network, and the LTE radio access network and Evolved Packet Core (EPC) also need to support VoLTE, which is typically achieved with software upgrades. The first wave of commercial VoLTE service launches which include HD Voice using W-AMR has commenced, as shown in the Table below. Several more operators have committed to HD Voice/W-AMR launches expected in the 2012-2013 timeframe.
Country South Korea South Korea Canada Singapore South Korea UAE USA USA USA USA USA Operator SK Telecom LG U+ Sasktel Starhub KT Etisalat AT&T Clearwire MetroPCS Sprint Verizon Wireless VoLTE status Launched Launched In deployment Trial planned In deployment In deployment In deployment In deployment In deployment In deployment In deployment
VoLTE commitments and deployment status

GSA Global mobile Suppliers Association
Source: Mobile HD Voice: Global Update report Published by GSA www.gsacom.com
October 1, 2012
LTE TDD: Global network commitments, trials, deployments, commercial launches

LTE TDD LINKEDIN GROUP: approx 1400 Members www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=3978061 Australia Australia Austria Brazil Brazil Canada Canada China Croatia Denmark France Germany Hong Kong NBN Co launched a commercial 2.3 GHz LTE TDD network on April 2, 2012 Optus is deploying a national 2.3 GHz LTE TDD network 3 is considering LTE TDD deployment in band 38, in addition to existing FDD system Sky Brazil launched a commercial LTE TDD network in December 2011
Nepal Nigeria Oman Poland Russia
Sunrise Telecomunicacoes acquired 2.6 GHz spectrum

WiMAX operator Xplornet trialled LTE TDD in 2.5 GHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum LTE TDD trial planned by Sasktel December 2012 August 2013 China Mobile launched large-scale LTE TDD trials extended in 2012 to 20,000 base sites Velatel is deploying LTE TDD in 3.5 GHz 3 Denmark is deploying combined LTE FDD/TDD network. FDD is launched. Orange trialling LTE FDD and TDD modes Bollore plans to deploy 3.5 GHz LTE TDD E-Plus is trialling LTE TDD in 2.6 GHz BWA spectrum won by China Mobile, 21 Vianet Group, and Hutchison 3 HK. China Mobile & 3 HK are both deploying combined LTE FDD/TDD networks Bharti Airtel commercially launched LTE TDD service on April 10, 2012 RIL is deploying LTE TDD Qualcomm India LTE Venture is committed to LTE TDD deployment. Tikona Digital deploying LTE TDD Aircel is trialling LTE TDD BSNL may introduce LTE TDD MTNL may introduce LTE TDD LTE TDD testing was completed June 2010 Softbank Mobile commercially launched its XGP/LTE TDD network in February 2012 WiMAX operator Packet Networks (P1) plans to deploy LTE TDD overlay network. WiMAX operator Asiaspace plans to deploy 2.3 GHz LTE TDD Blueline is deploying LTE TDD Velatel is deploying LTE TDD in 3.5 GHz
Saudi Arabia
Singapore South Africa Spain Sweden Taiwan
India
Ireland Japan Malaysia
Thailand UK Uruguay USA
NT deploying 2.3 GHz LTE TDD Zoda Fones deploying 2.6 GHz LTE TDD Omantel commercially launched 2.3 GHz LTE TDD on July 16, 2012 Nawras is deploying 2.3 GHz LTE TDD Aero2 launched LTE TDD in Band 38 (2.6 GHz), part of Aero2s dual mode LTE network (LTE TDD and LTE1800 FDD) MTS commercially launched LTE TDD in Moscow & Moscow Region Rostelecom is reported to have approval to deploy LTE TDD network in 2.3 GHz spectrum Megafon is deploying LTE TDD OJSC Osnova Telecom is trialling LTE TDD Enforta deploying 3.5 GHz LTE TDD test network Vainah Telecom (Chechen Republic) LTE TDD study phase Etisalat Mobily launched a commercial LTE TDD network in September 2011 STC launched a commercial LTE TDD network in September 2011 IDA plans to auction spectrum suitable for LTE TDD 8ta plans to deploy LTE TDD in 2.3 GHz COTA trialling LTE TDD Regin de Murcia 3 Sweden launched 2.6 GHz LTE TDD as part of 3 Swedens dual mode LTE network (LTE TDD and LTE2600 FDD) CHT completed tests on high-speed rail system using TDD and FDD modes in 2.6 GHz spectrum FarEasTone, China Mobile cooperating on LTE TDD trial in Taipei National Chiao Tung University completed an LTE TDD trial in 2010 WiMAX operator Global Mobile Corp requested approval to switch to LTE TDD and preparing a trial Fitel (PHS, WiMAX) trialling LTE TDD AIS TOT joint trial in 2.3 GHz band UK Broadband commercially launched 3.5 GHz LTE TDD wholesale service 28.06.12 Dedicado plans 3.5 GHz LTE TDD network Clearwire deploying LTE TDD in Band 41 WiMAX operator Xplornet Communications trialled LTE TDD WiMAX operator Movilmax plans to deploy 2.5 GHz LTE TDD
Madagascar Montenegro
Venezuela
October 1, 2012
LTE1800: LTE deployments in 1800 MHz band

LTE network deployment in 1800 MHz is a promising option in many markets and was first acknowledged by the Finnish Ministry of Transport & Communications whose decision of April 2009 to allow LTE to be deployed in this spectrum enabled the possibility to provide fast mobile broadband networks with a substantially wider coverage at lower cost than when using 2.6 GHz, which requires a considerably larger number of base stations. The decision also meant that wireless networks capable of transferring data more efficiently could be introduced (in Finland) more rapidly. The motivations are clear: Coverage area approx. 2 times compared to deploying in 2.6 GHz band Possibility to re-use assets including antenna cables of GSM1800 or WCDMA-HSPA2100 Possibility to deploy multi-RAN with simultaneous LTE and GSM capabilities 1800 MHz band widely available throughout Europe, APAC, MEA, regions of South America thus having the potential to be a core - and global - band for LTE deployments Operators often have sufficient bandwidth in 1800 MHz to secure the full benefits of LTE Often easier to re-farm than 900 MHz User device eco-system is building; a good choice of user devices available by end 2011 Can be a transition strategy between HSPA and availability of new (e.g. 2.6 GHz, digital dividend) spectrum
Further analysis of GSAs database of LTE user devices including LTE1800 products, is possible using GAMBoD, the GSA Analyzer for Mobile Broadband Devices, which is a unique search and analysis tool developed by GSA for mobile broadband devices, allowing searches by supplier, form factor, features, peak downlink and uplink speeds, and operating frequency. Results are presented as a list, or as a spreadsheet, or as charts. An RSS feed can be set for alerts as new devices are added to the database. Charts may be inserted into documents or presentations, subject to accreditation of GSA as the source. There are two GAMBoD tools; one is for HSPA user devices, and one is for LTE user devices.
Visit www.gsacom.com/gambod/index.php4 GAMBoD is available only to qualified site users, defined as representatives of GSA Member companies who registered using their corporate email address, or representatives of network operators who have registered using their corporate email address.
38 commercial LTE1800 networks are now launched in 26 countries - see next page LTE1800 User Devices Ecosystem
GSAs Status of the LTE Ecosystem report (July 3, 2012) confirmed 98 LTE user devices can operate in 1800 MHz. This figure is almost double the number that GSA reported in January 2012. Press release: www.gsacom.com/news/gsa_354.php4 Status of the LTE Ecosystem report is a free download for registered site users via the link at www.gsacom.com (Registration page for new www.gsacom.com/php/register_form) site users The LTE1800 Zone on www.gsacom.com provides a vast amount of information about deployment of LTE in 1800 MHz spectrum, including recent white papers by Ericsson, Huawei, Nokia Siemens Networks, Sierra Wireless, and ZTE plus updates/presentations from mobile operators including StarHub and Tele2 Russia, and other resources. Visit the LTE1800 Zone via the banner on www.gsacom.com
LTE1800 LinkedIN Group: 1,407 Members
www.linkedin.com/groups?=&gid=3129390
October 1, 2012
LTE1800 network deployments worldwide

Poland Lithuania Singapore Germany Latvia Finland S. Arabia Australia Denmark Finland Hong Kong Singapore Finland Hungary Sth Korea Portugal Japan Croatia Croatia Angola UAE Namibia Estonia UAE Azerbaijan Czech Rep Mauritius Dominican Republic Slovenia Australia Hungary Hong Kong Philippines Slovak R. Singapore Mauritius Denmark Philippines Mobyland/ CenterNet Omnitel M1 DT LMT TeliaSonera Zain Telstra Telia Elisa CSL Limited SingTel DNA T Mobile KT Optimus eAccess T-Hrvatski VIPNet Movicel Etisalat MTC EMT Du Azercell O2 Orange Orange Dominicana Si.mobil Optus Telenor Smartone Smart O2 StarHub Emtel 3 Denmark Globe Commercially launched Commercially launched LTE1800/2600 commercial service launched Commercially launched Commercially launched Commercially launched Commercially launched Commercially launched Commercially launched LTE2600/1800 DC-HSPA+ commercial service launched LTE2600/1800 DC-HSPA+ commercial service launched LTE1800/2600 commercial service launched LTE1800/2600 commercial service launched Commercially launched Commercially launched LTE800/1800/2600 commercially launched Commercially launched (band 7, i.e. within band 3) Commercially launched Commercially launched Commercially launched LTE1800/2600 commercial service launched Commercially launched LTE1800/2600 commercial service launched Commercially launched Commercially launched Commercially launched Commercially launched Commercially launched Commercially launched Commercially launched Commercially launched Commercially launched LTE 850/1800/2100 commercial service launched Commercially launched Commercially launched Commercially launched LTE1800/2600 commercial service launched Commercially launched
Australia Belgium Belgium Bulgaria Bulgaria Brazil Croatia Denmark Estonia France France Georgia Germany Greece Indonesia Italy Laos Malaysia Philippines Poland Poland Romania Russia Russia Slovak R. Slovenia Sth Africa Sth Africa Sth Korea Spain Sri Lanka Sweden Sweden Thailand Thailand Turkey UK Venezuela
VHA Mobistar Proximus M-TEL Vivacom Oi VIPnet Telenor/Telia Elisa Bouygues Orange Magticom E Plus Cosmote Indosat Three Beeline Lao Celcom Bayan Tel All operators Polkomtel Orange Tele2 SMARTS All operators Mobitel 8ta MTN SK Telecom Yoigo Dialog Axiata Tele2 and TelNor TeliaSonera AIS/DPCCAT True Move Avea EE Digitel
LTE1800 in deployment LTE1800 in deployment LTE1800 in deployment LTE1800 in deployment LTE1800 in deployment Trials, LTE1800 planned 800/1800MHz consumer trial LTE1800 in deployment In deployment Trials, seeking approval to deploy LTE in 1800 MHz Trials: 800,1800, 2600 MHz 1800 MHz is an option Trials Trialled LTE1800 planned LTE1800 in deployment for use alongside LTE2600 Trials 1800 and 2600 MHz Trials 1800 and 2600 MHz Plans to deploy LTE1800 New 1800 MHz auction LTE1800 in deployment LTE1800 in deployment Tests completed Pilot trial network in Ufa Incumbents interested LTE to be deployed in 800, 1800,2600 MHz. LTE1800 launch target of 2012 LTE1800 in deployment LTE1800 in deployment LTE1800 in deployment LTE1800 in deployment LTE1800 planned LTE1800 in deployment via Net4Mobility joint venture LTE1800 in deployment Trials Planning trials Trials Deploying LTE1800; launch target December 2012 LTE1800 planned
Embracing the 1800MHz opportunity: Driving mobile forward with LTE in the 1800MHz band www.gsacom.com/lte1800
Press release with the reports key conclusions: www.gsacom.com/news/gsa_342.php4
October 1, 2012
299 LTE commitments in 93 countries

Country
Norway Sweden Uzbekistan Uzbekistan Poland USA Austria Sweden Sweden Hong Kong Finland Germany USA Finland Denmark Estonia Japan Germany Philippines Lithuania Singapore Latvia South Korea South Korea Germany Canada Austria USA Canada Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia USA UAE Australia Denmark Austria Puerto Rico Puerto Rico Kyrgyzstan Brazil Finland Uruguay USA Singapore Kuwait Armenia Bahrain Hungary South Korea Russia Canada USA Japan Portugal Portugal Portugal Japan USA Croatia Croatia USA Australia India Angola Puerto Rico Moldova Sweden
Operator
TeliaSonera TeliaSonera MTS UCell Mobyland and CenterNet MetroPCS A1 Telekom TeleNor Sweden Tele2 Sweden CSL Limited TeliaSonera Vodafone Verizon Wireless Elisa TeliaSonera EMT NTT DoCoMo Deutsche Telekom Smart Communications Omnitel M1 LMT SK Telecom LG U+ O2 (Telefonica) Rogers Wireless T Mobile Mosaic Telecom Bell Mobility Mobily (LTE TDD) STC (LTE TDD) Zain AT&T Mobility Etisalat Telstra TDC 3 AT&T Mobility Claro Saima Telecom Sky Brazil (LTE TDD) DNA Antel Leap Wireless/Cricket SingTel Viva Vivacell-MTS Viva T Mobile KT Yota Telus Peoples Telephone Co-op Softbank (XGP/LTE TDD) TMN (Portugal Telecom) Vodafone Portugal Optimus eAccess US Cellular T-Hrvatski Telekom VIPNet Panhandle Telephone Co-op NBN No (LTE TDD) Bharti Airtel (LTE TDD) Movicel Open Mobile IDC 3 Sweden
Expected launch
Launched 14.12.09 Launched 14.12.09 Launched 28.07.10 Launched 09.08.10 Launched 07.09.10 Launched 21.09.10 Launched 05.11.10 Launched 15.11.10 Launched 15.11.10 Launched 25.11.10 Launched 30.11.10 Launched 01.12.10 Launched 05.12.10 Launched 08.12.10 Launched 09.12.10 Launched 17.12.10 Launched 24.12.10 Launched 05.04.11 Launched 16.04.11 Launched 28.04.11 Launched 21.06.11 Launched 31.05.11 Launched 01.07.11 Launched 01.07.11 Launched 01.07.11 Launched 07.07.11 Launched 28.07.11 Launched Jul 2011 Launched 14.09.11 Launched 14.09.11 Launched 14.09.11 Launched 14.09.11 Launched 18.09.11 Launched 25.09.11 Launched 27.09.11 Launched 10.10.11 Launched 18.11.11 Launched 20.11.11 Launched 24.11.11 Launched 09.12.11 Launched 13.12.11 Launched 13.12.11 Launched 13.12.11 Launched 21.12.11 Launched 22.12.11 Launched 27.12.11 Launched 28.12.11 Launched 01.01.12 Launched 01.01.12 Launched 03.01.12 Launched 15.01.12 Launched 10.02.12 Launched 14.02.12 Launched 24.02.12 Launched 12.03.12 Launched 12.03.12 Launched 15.03.12 Launched 15.03.12 Launched 22.03.12 Launched 23.03.12 Launched 23.03.12 Launched Mar 2012 Launched 02.04.12 Launched 10.04.12 Launched 14.04.12 Launched 19.04.12 Launched 21.04.12 Launched 23.04.12
Hong Kong Hong Kong USA USA Netherlands Hong Kong Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Namibia USA Tanzania UAE Colombia Azerbaijan Czech Rep Mauritius UK Hungary Dominican R Slovenia USA Oman Australia Mauritius Slovak Rep Hong Kong Russia USA Singapore Japan Japan Canada Denmark Philippines Luxembourg Andorra Azerbaijan Bahamas Belgium Belgium Belgium Canada China Costa Rica Costa Rica Denmark Dominican R Estonia France Ghana Ghana India India Italy Japan Jordan Laos Lithuania Lithuania Malaysia Malaysia Mexico Mexico Moldova Montenegro Nepal Norway Paraguay Puerto Rico
China Mobile HK PCCW Cellcom Pioneer Cellular Vodafone 3 HK Ziggo Tele2 KPN T-Mobile MTC BendBroadband Smile Du Une-EPM Azercell Telefonica O2 Orange UK Broadband (LTE TDD) Telenor Orange Dominicana Si.mobil Sprint Omantel (LTE TDD) Optus FDD (LTE TDD to follow) Emtel Telefonica O2 Smartone MTS (LTE TDD) C Spire Wireless StarHub KDDI Softbank Mobile MTS Allstream 3 Denmark Globe Tango Andorra Telecom Azerfon BTC Belgacom (Proximus) Clearwire Belgium (LTE TDD) Mobistar Sasktel China Telecom Claro ICE TeleNor Emtel Elisa SFR Glo Mobile NITA (LTE TDD) Aircell (LTE TDD) Qualcomm India LTE Venture 3 Italia KDDI Zain Beeline Lao Bite Tele2 P1 Networks (LTE TDD) Asiaspace (LTE TDD) Telcel Telefonica Moldcell Telenor Ncell TeleNor Vox Sprint Nextel
Launched 25.04.12 Launched 25.04.12 Launched 30.04.12 Launched 30.04.12 Launched 01.05.12 Launched 02.05.12 Launched 03.05.12 Launched 08.05.12 Launched 11.05.12 Launched 11.05.12 Launched 16.05.12 Launched 17.05.12 Launched 30.05.12 Launched 12.06.12 Launched 14.06.12 Launched 19.06.12 Launched 19.06.12 Launched 21.06.12 Launched 28.06.12 Launched 05.07.12 Launched 09.07.12 Launched 12.07.12 Launched 15.07.12 Launched 16.07.12 Launched 31.07.12 Launched Jul 2012 Launched 02.08.12 Launched 28.08.12 Launched 01.09.12 Launched 10.09.12 Launched 19.09.12 Launched 21.09.12 Launched 21.09.12 Launched 25.09.12 Launched 28.09.12 Launched 28.09.12 Launched 01.10.12 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012
October 1, 2012
Qatar Romania Russia Slovenia South Africa South Africa South Africa Spain Switzerland UK USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA Uzbekistan Chile Chile France Ireland Russia Switzerland Australia Australia Brazil Brazil Brazil Brazil Chile France India India Italy Italy Kazakhstan Malaysia Malaysia Malaysia Malaysia Monaco Nepal Puerto Rico Romania Russia Russia Russia Switzerland UK UK USA USA USA Bulgaria China Bahamas Armenia Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahrain Belarus Belize Belgium Brazil Canada China Qtel Orange Antares Group Mobitel MTN WBS (iBurst) Vodacom Orange Swisscom EE Aircell Alaska Communications BayRICS Bluegrass Cellular CenturyLink Cross Telephone NorthwestCell VTel Wireless West Central Wireless Beeline Entel PCS Movistar Orange Hutchison 3 Rostelecom FDD and TDD Sunrise BigAir VHA Claro Oi TIM Vivo Claro Bouygues Telecom Reliance (LTE TDD) Tikona Digital (LTE TDD) Vodafone Wind Altel DiGi Maxis REDtone YTL Communications Yes Monaco Telecom Nepal Telecom (LTE TDD) T Mobile Vodafone Megafon FDD and TDD Tele2 Vimpelcom Orange Hutchison 3 O2 Clearwire Copper Valley Telecom T-Mobile USA M-Tel China Mobile (LTE TDD) CBL Armentel Orange Armenia EnergyAustralia Ausgrid Orange Bakcell Zain BeST (Life) BTL KPN Base Sunrise Telecom (LTE TDD) Videotron Velatel-Aerostrong (LTE TDD) 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012-13 2012-13 2012-13 2012-13 2012-13 2012-13 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013-14 2013-14 2014 To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed Colombia Croatia Dominican R Egypt Egypt Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Guam Hong Kong Indonesia Indonesia Indonesia Israel Italy Jamaica Jersey Kazakhstan Kuwait Latvia Latvia Lebanon Lebanon Libya Luxembourg Luxembourg Madagascar Malaysia Malaysia Moldova Montenegro Namibia New Zealand New Zealand Nigeria Nigeria Oman Panama Philippines Poland Poland Russia Russia Slovak Rep South Africa South Africa Spain Spain Spain Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Taiwan Taiwan Tunisia UK Uruguay USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA Tigo Velatel (LTE TDD) Tricom Etisalat Misr Vodafone Tele2 Datame (LTE TDD) Bollore Telecom (LTE TDD) E Plus Cosmote IT&E 21 Vianet Group (LTE TDD) Indosat Telkomsel XL Axiata Cellcom Telecom Italia Claro Clear Mobitel Kcell Zain Bite Tele2 Alfa MTC Touch Al Madar Orange P&T Blueline (LTE TDD) Celcom U Mobile Orange Velatel (LTE TDD) Leo (Cell One) Telecom NZ Vodafone NZ Globacom Zoda Fones (LTE TDD) Nawras (LTE TDD) Cable and Wireless Bayan Telecommunications ERA/T-Mobile PTK Centertel (Orange) Osnova Telecom (LTE TDD) Smoltelecom (LTE TDD) Orange Cell C 8ta Telefnica Vodafone Yoigo Dialog Axiata Mobitel Global Mobile (LTE TDD) Chunghwa Telecom Tunisiana Vodafone Dedicado (LTE TDD) Agri-Valley Broadband Appalachian Wireless Carolina West Wireless Chariton Valley Comms Chat Mobility Custer Telephone ETC Etex Telephone Co-op Commnet Wireless Convergence Technologies Lightsquared Matanuska Telephone Assoc Sagebrush Cellular (Nemont) To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed
October 1, 2012
USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA Vietnam Venezuela Venezuela Venezuela O2 Secure Wireless PVT Peoples Telephone Co-op S and R Communications S&T Telephone Cooperative SGRITA SpeedConnect Sprocket Wireless Strata Networks Texas Energy Network Thumb Cellular United Wireless Public Service Wireless City of Charlotte Council RusViet Telecom Digitel Movilmax (LTE TDD) Movistar To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed To be confirmed
GSA Global mobile Suppliers Association www.gsacom.com October 1, 2012
52 pre-commitment LTE network trials

Country Abkhaz Angola Argentina Argentina Azerbaijan Bahrain Belarus Belgium Bolivia Botswana Brazil Brazil Brazil Bulgaria Canada Canada Czech Republic Egypt Georgia Operator Aquafon Unitel Telefonica Personal Sazz Batelco MTS Telenet Entel Movil Mascom Wireless Algar Telecom (CTBC) Sao Paulo Military Police Army trials planned Vivacom Wind Mobile Xplornet (LTE TDD) T-Mobile trials July September 2012 Mobinil Magticom
India India Indonesia Isle of Man Latvia Latvia Kazakhstan Kazakhstan Kenya New Zealand New Zealand Nigeria Peru Qatar Russia Russia Russia Slovak Republic South Africa Spain Taiwan Thailand Thailand Thailand Turkey Turkey UK Ukraine USA USA Vietnam Vietnam Vietnam
BSNL study phase LTE TDD MTNL study phase LTE TDD Bakrie Telecom Manx Telecom Triatel Lattelecom Beeline Tele2 Safaricom Kordia study phase Woosh study phase Starcomms study phase Telefonica Vodafone Qatar Enforta test network LTE TDD SMARTS Vainah Telecom (Chechen R.) study T-Mobile Slovensko Neotel COTA (LTE TDD) Fitel (LTE TDD) DPC/AIS AIS TOT True Move Avea Turkcell Arqiva MTS-Ukraine Dish Network seeking FCC approval ISICSB FPT Telecom VDC (VNPT) Viettel
GSA Global mobile Suppliers Association www.gsacom.com October 1, 2012
417 LTE User Devices

The GSA Status of the LTE Ecosystem report (July 3, 2012) confirmed 67 manufacturers have announced 417 LTE-enabled user devices. The number of LTE user devices more than tripled over the past year and includes 83 smartphones and 31 tablets. The report includes devices for FDD and TDD modes, form factors, frequencies, and support for fallback technologies when outside LTE coverage areas (i.e. HSPA, HSPA+, DC-HSPA+, EV-DO, or TD-SCDMA). Press release: www.gsacom.com/news/gsa_354.php4 The Status of the LTE Ecosystem report is free for registered site users via the link at www.gsacom.com (registration page for new site users: www.gsacom.com/php/register_form). Check www.gsacom.com for updates
October 1, 2012
Worldwide LTE subscriptions Q2 2012

Q2 2012: 27.6 million LTE subscriptions (data provided to GSA by Informa Telecoms and Media on August 21, 2012) Download the latest LTE subscriptions growth charts from the GSA website: as JPEG files at www.gsacom.com/news/statistics.php4 in a single PDF file on www.gsacom.com via the link to LTE subscriptions growth to Q2 2012
Upcoming leading conferences supported by GSA .. where LTE will be discussed

ITU Telecom World, Dubai: October 14 18, 2012 Broadband World Forum, 16-18 October 2012 at the RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre (Amsterdam) features 400+ speakers, 200+ exhibitors and 10,000+ telecoms industry professionals. Visit www.broadbandworldforum.com for more information or to register. Spectrum Management Forum, Munich: November 6-7, 2012
www.gsacom.com/events/index.php4 GSA Member companies receive discounts off the delegate fees for most of the listed events
More LTE resources from GSA
www.gsacom.com
Map: Worldwide LTE network commitments, launches and trials Status of the Global LTE TDD Market Operator Viewpoint presentations
LTE TDD LinkedIN Group LTE1800 LinkedIN Group LTE User Devices LinkedIN Group www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=3978061 www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=3129390 www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4146472
GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association) represents GSM/EDGE/WCDMA-HSPA/LTE suppliers, providing reports, facts, analysis and information explaining market developments and trends. GSA-organized seminars facilitate enhanced dialog between operators, members and developer communities. GSA brings together a global industry community of stakeholders including over 50,000 registered website users for dialog, knowledge gathering, sharing of key facts, trends, and analysis. Over 11,000 people use our social network platforms. Register for updates, reports, information papers, maps, charts, etc. at www.gsacom.com/php/register_form.php4 GSA Secretariat Press: press@gsacom.com General: info@gsacom.com Phone: +44 1279 439 667 Website: www.gsacom.com RSS Feed: www.gsacom.com/rss/gsanews.php4 GSA LinkedIN group www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2313721 Twitter: www.twitter.com/gsacom Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Global-mobileSuppliers-Association-GSA/123462771012551
GSA strives at all times to ensure that the information provided is always as accurate as possible. The content contained in this report is based on information provided to GSA in good faith but such information cannot always be fully guaranteed and at all times. Therefore such content is provided without warranty in currentness, completeness or correctness. Errors and Omissions Excepted. Copyright GSA Global mobile Suppliers Association. Reproduction of this material for non-commercial use is allowed if the source is stated. For other use please contact the GSA Secretariat via email to info@gsacom.com ETSI has registered LTE as a trademark for the benefit of the 3GPP Partners. GSA is a Market Representation Partner in 3GPP

GSA Evolution To LTE Report 011012 2

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

GSA Evolution To LTE Report 011012 2

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Evolution to LTE Report

LTE Market Summary October 1, 2012 105 commercial networks in 48 countries

Evolution to LTE Report

105 commercial LTE networks, 48 countries

TELUS Peoples Telephone Co-op

Evolution to LTE Report

Spectrum for LTE deployments

LTE TDD Systems

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

LTE networks, developments global round-up

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

VoLTE global status

VoLTE commitments and deployment status

Source: Mobile HD Voice: Global Update report Published by GSA www.gsacom.com

Evolution to LTE Report

LTE TDD: Global network commitments, trials, deployments, commercial launches

Nepal Nigeria Oman Poland Russia

Sunrise Telecomunicacoes acquired 2.6 GHz spectrum

Singapore South Africa Spain Sweden Taiwan

Ireland Japan Malaysia

Thailand UK Uruguay USA

Evolution to LTE Report

LTE1800: LTE deployments in 1800 MHz band

Evolution to LTE Report

LTE1800 network deployments worldwide

Evolution to LTE Report

299 LTE commitments in 93 countries

Evolution to LTE Report

Evolution to LTE Report

GSA Global mobile Suppliers Association www.gsacom.com October 1, 2012

52 pre-commitment LTE network trials

GSA Global mobile Suppliers Association www.gsacom.com October 1, 2012

417 LTE User Devices

Evolution to LTE Report