G Evolution To LTE PDF

Evolution to LTE Report
November 2, 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 announced by manufacturers.
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.
This report and all related materials and resources

are 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 non-commercial 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 November 2, 2012

113 commercial networks in 51 countries
360 operators investing in LTE in 105 countries
308 operator commitments in 94 countries

52 pre-commitment trials in 11 more countries
GSA forecasts 166 commercial LTE networks

in 70 countries by end 2012
GSA forecasts 209 commercial LTE networks
in 75 countries by end 2013
MVNOs are excluded
GSA November 2, 2012
Comments about the report including news/updates

should be sent to email info@gsacom.com
GSA re-affirms LTE as the fastest developing

mobile system technology ever
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
LTE is entering a new phase as a mainstream

technology by end 2012
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 these related reports:
Status of the LTE Ecosystem report

Status of the Global LTE TDD Market report
Status of the Global LTE1800 Market report
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.
November 2, 2012
113 commercial LTE networks in 51 countries

Country
Operator
Launch
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
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
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
Guam
Hungary
Dominican R.
Slovenia
USA
Oman
Australia
Mauritius
Slovak Rep
Hong Kong
Russia
USA
Singapore
Japan
Japan
Canada
Denmark
Philippines
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)
IT&E
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
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
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
November 2, 2012
Luxembourg
Guam
Tajikistan
Norway
South Africa
USA
Luxembourg
UK
Tango
DoCoMo Pacific
Babilon-Mobile
Telenor
Vodacom
Alaska Communications
Orange
EE (Everything Everywhere)
01.10.12
04.10.12
06.10.12
10.10.12
10.10.12
12.10.12
29.10.12
30.10.12
Upcoming launch dates pre-announced by operators (actual

launches to be confirmed in future updates of this report):
Belgium
Italy
Estonia
Laos
Mexico
Spain
Proximus
TIM
Tele2
LTC
Telefonica
COTA (TDD)
Nov 5, 2012
Nov 7, 2012
Nov 2012
Nov 2012
Nov 2012
Nov 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.
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-buildicotang

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
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
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
November 2, 2012
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
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.
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
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 150 Mbps 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..
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.
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
November 2, 2012
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 functionally frozen, meaning 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
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.
MetroPCS has agreed to merge with T Mobile USA,
subject to regulatory approval.
Verizon Wireless launched its commercial LTE
system in 700 MHz (Band 13) spectrum on December
5, 2010. Verizon expects coverage to match its
existing 3G network by 2013. The LTE network is
currently available in 419 markets to more than 250
million people. On October 18, 2012 the company
announced it had surpassed its goal of covering 400
markets across the United States by the end of 2012.
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. LTE in Rural America participants include:
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 LTE
service in 2013. MetroPCS has agreed to merge with
T Mobile USA, subject to regulatory approval.
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
November 2, 2012
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.
2012 in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau. Initial

devices offered are Samsung Galaxy SIII and Galaxy
Note, and the BandLuxe 4G LTE Wireless Router.
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.
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.
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 USD 149 million in the 700 MHz auction 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. Coverage in Las Vegas
was announced in October 2012 and the company
said it expects to launch LTE service in additional
Cricket markets in 2012 and cover approximately 21
million covered POPs by the end of 2012, and plans
to introduce several LTE smartphones by year end.
Leap Wireless signed a 5-year wholesale agreement
with Clearwire for capacity off-load.
CDMA
operator
Alaska
Communications
commercially launched its 4G/LTE service in October
Clearwire Corp. is deploying LTE TDD in 2496

2690 MHz (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
with 2,000 LTE TDD sites operating by June 2013, at
which time VoLTE will also be supported.
Softbank (Japan) has announced plans to buy 70%

of Sprint Nextel for $20.1bn, subject to shareholders
and regulators approval, and could be completed by
mid-2013.
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
November 2, 2012
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
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.
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) 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.
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
South Georgia Regional Information Technology

Authority is deploying a 700MHz LTE system in
South Georgia.
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
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.
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.
US Cellular in partnership with King Street Wireless

commercially launched 700 MHz LTE service on
March 22, 2012 in selected cities in Iowa, Maine,
November 2, 2012
North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin. 30

new markets will be activated on November 5, 2012.
By end of 2012, 58% of its customer base are
planned to 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
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 Department

(LVMPD) trialling LTE in band 14.
Miami-Dade police 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)
The FCC has adopted revised rules to enable
Wireless Communications Service (WCS) licensees'
to use up to 30 MHz of underutilized 2.3 GHz
spectrum for wireless broadband services. 20 MHz
may be used for mobile broadband service, leaving
10 MHz for fixed broadband services, which in the
future may be used as a downlink path for mobile
broadband users.
Canada
Rogers
Wireless
launched
Canadas
first
commercial LTE service on July 7, 2011 in Ottawa.
Coverage reached 60% of population (October 1,
2012). On September 19, 2012 Rogers announced
the 2600 MHz enabled version of the LG Optimus G
LTE smartphone will be exclusively available from
Rogers. The 2600 MHz band is little used in Canada,
and is facilitated by Rogers and Bell in their
partnership company Inukshuk Wireless which built a
network using pre-WiMAX technology but was later
shelved. Rogers statement: The Rogers LTE 2600
MHz bandwidth is in all markets where we offer LTE
AWS 2100. In most markets where 2 x 20MHz (2600
MHz) is available, the LG Optimus G is capable of
theoretical max speeds of up to 100 Mbps. In smaller
LTE markets that have 2 x 10MHz (2600 MHz), the
LG Optimus G can reach theoretical max speeds of
up to 75Mbps. The LG Optimus G goes on sale
November 13, 2012.
Bell Mobility launched commercial LTE services in
Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo
November 2, 2012
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.
Rural WiMAX operator Xplornet Communications
announced on December 8, 2011 completion of LTE
TDD tests in 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 3.5
GHz trial used the same band that Xplornet uses for
(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.
Argentina
Telefonica completed lab trials of LTE in March
2010, and 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 (24 MHz) to BTC, valid for of 15 years. The
announcement followed evaluation of 5 license
applications. Two applications were rejected because
they failed the minimum criteria, one application is
pending approvals from other business investment
and licensing bodies. The new license has coverage
obligations. BTC has exclusivity in mobile services to
April 2014 and plans to LTE network rollout from
January 2013, with services commencing within a few
months.
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
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.
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
November 2, 2012
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.
(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.
Oi concluded LTE trials beginning June 2011,

reported to be in 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum.
On October 26, 2012 Oi announced LTE commercial
services in Rio de Janeiro would be offered before
end 2012 and in Q1 2013 in So Paulo state.
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.
Vivo has trialled LTE and is deploying a commercial

network.
Claro has also trialled LTE and in September 2012

confirmed its plans to deploy LTE in the coming year.
Claro has been testing LTE 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).
Regulator Subtel confirmed its adoption of the APT

band plan for 700 MHz which is plans to auction for
LTE systems in mid-2013.
Chile
Entel PCS completed an LTE trial at the Universidad
de Chile. Movistar has publicly demonstrated LTE.
Colombia
TIM Brasil has announced its system suppliers.
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 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
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 delayed to December 2012. 10
companies confirmed interest in bidding, local as well
as foreign operators. Tigo intends to participate and
confirmed plans to deploy a commercial LTE network.
Nextel and Avantel are amongst the new players
expressing interest in the auctions. Up to 90 MHz in
700 MHz may be auctioned in 2013. Regulator ANE
confirmed its adoption of the APT band plan for 700
MHz spectrum.
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).
November 2, 2012
Tricom signed an infrastructure supply contract for

deployment of an LTE network.
Jamaica
Claro is reported to be deploying an LTE system.
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.
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).
In October 2012 CONATEL announced its adoption
of the APT band plan for 700 MHz spectrum.
Guatemala
Regulator SIT said bands suitable for LTE include
800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, AWS, and 2.1 GHz.
Digicel has agreed to acquire the company from

America Movil. Further announcements are awaited.
Mexico
Telefnica plans to launch LTE in Q4 2012, initially in
Polanco, Mexico City, Zapopan, Jalisco, San Pedro
and Nuevo Leon. Telefnica and Iusacell have
agreed on a network sharing arrangement.
Telcel is planning commercial LTE launch in 2012.
The government plans to auction 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.
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.
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
November 2, 2012
is expected to auction two blocks of AWS spectrum

for LTE deployments in 1H 2013.
Digitel was awarded 30 MHz of spectrum in 1800

MHz and 1900 MHz. Movilnet and Movistar each
received 20 MHz of extra spectrum in those bands
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. AT&T also
owns 2.6 GHz spectrum.
Claro commercially launched 700 MHz LTE service
on Nov 24, 2011.
Digitel has announced plans to use part of its 1800

MHz spectrum to launch LTE1800 in December 2012.
Movilnet currently uses band 2 for HSPA and 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.
CDMA operator Open Mobile launched its 700 MHz

commercial LTE service on April 19, 2012.
Asia Pacific and Oceania
Sprint Nextel is deploying LTE initially in 1900 MHz
spectrum. Service launch is anticipated Q4 2012.
Sprint also has 2.6 GHz and 800 MHz spectrum.
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)
Applications were required by June
Movilnet, Movistar, Digitel responded.
6,
2012.
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. On November 1, 2012 Telstra
reported LTE service availability in 100 major capitals
and regional centers, 40% LTE population coverage
(rising to 66% by June 2013), 820,000 4G
subscriptions at October 2012, and over 100,000
iPhone 5s connected in the previous 4 weeks.
Telstra currently sells 13 LTE1800 devices.
RECOMMENDED: Telstra Goes 4G
Keynote presentation at 4G World 2012
Mike Wright, Executive Director Networks and Access
Technologies, Telstra
Download via the link on www.gsacom.com
Optus conducted an LTE1800 trial for over 1,000
users in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley areas of
November 2, 2012
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, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
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.
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
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 13 cities and 7 suppliers are
participating in the project. 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
November 2, 2012
2013-2014 timeframe. 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.
During ITU Telecom World, Dubai, October, 2012 it
was announced that China's Ministry of Industry and
Information Technology MIIT has decided to allocate
2.6GHz (band 41 as used by Sprint, USA) ranging
from 2500-2690 MHz i.e. the entire band of 190 MHz
for the deployment and application of LTE TDD. Such
an announcement at the most authoritative meeting
offered great confidence in the development of LTE
TDD to the global industry and market.
According to reports, MIIT also announced in October
2012 that 60 MHz in each of the 1800 MHz and 2100
MHz bands, i.e. a total of 120 MHz, will be allocated
for FDD-LTE use.
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, which
is testing FDD, 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
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 LTE1800 launch
on August 28, 2012 with service available to selected
customers by invitation, then generally available to
customers on September 11. The company confirmed
that LTE coverage would be available at the first MTR
underground station (at Admiralty) on October 15,
2012. Rollout across all MTR stations and adjoining
tunnels is expected to be completed in early 2013.
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 announced launch of LTE commercial services
on June 28, 2012 initially for business only, using
700 MHz, then other users in early July 2012 as the
4G LTE Wireless Data Network for the Home.
DoCoMo Pacific announced launch of LTE
commercial services in 700 MHz on October 4, 2012.
November 2, 2012
India
Indonesia
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.
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.
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 started 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 and in Pune on October 18, 2012.
Aircel won BWA spectrum in eight circles and plans
to commercially launch LTE TDD service in 2013,
initially in Chennai and Tamilnadu.
Infotel Broadband was the only pan-India winner,
and later bought by Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL).
Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) is deploying an LTE
TDD network for commercial launch in early 2013.
BSNL had acquired BWA spectrum licenses in the
2.6 GHz band in 22 circles for $1.6 billion. BSNL and
MTNL are studying introducing LTE TDD possibly in
addition to current WiMAX deployments.
Regulator TRAI is consulting on 700 MHz spectrum
and IMT-Advanced (incl. LTE-Advanced) systems.
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 Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. DoCoMo
aims to cover 98% of population with LTE by March
2015 and is targeting 30 million LTE subscriptions by
this date. DoCoMo announced that 5 million LTE
subscribers 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 commercial LTE service using 1.7
GHz on March 15, 2012 (this is band 9, which is
within LTE1800 band 3. A band 9 device will not work
on all band 3 networks). Coverage is scheduled to
cover 99% of population of 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,
Tokyo, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe,
November 2, 2012
Fukuoka, Fukuoka City, Kitakyushu City and covers

30 cities. The first device offered was the "ULTRA
WiFi 4G SoftBank 101SI portable router. A
smartphone was introduced in October 2012. The
network is deployed in 20 MHz of 2.5 GHz (band 41)
spectrum bought from Willcom (PHS operator) and
had 378,800 subscribers as of September 2012. At
October 31, 2012, over 17,000 eNodeBs deployed.
Coverage will open initially in Vientiane. Commercial

service launch is expected in November 2012.
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.
Malaysia
Softbank Corp. will acquire domestic rival eAccess

Ltd. through a stock swap deal valued at $2.3 billion,
and will provide Softbank not only with more
subscribers, but additional radio spectrum (band 9)
which e-Access currently uses for its services.
Softbank has announced plans to buy 70% of Sprint
Nextel (USA) for $20.1 billion. The deal requires the
approval of shareholders and regulators, and could
be completed by mid-2013.
Softbank has formed a partnership with Thailand's
state-owned operator TOT, which will focus on joint
development of a 2.3 GHz LTE TDD network using
TOT's allocation of 64 MHz bandwidth. It is likely that
the LTE network will be used for mobile backhaul for
Wi-Fi access points and mobile cell sites.
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.
Lao Telecommunications Company (LTC) is

deploying an LTE network planned to start
commercial service during the 9th Asia-Europe
Meeting Summit in Vientiane on November 5-6, and
available to Summit delegates and also the public.
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.
November 2, 2012
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).
October 2012 an additional 10 cities were within the

LTE coverage footprint.
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.
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.
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. By end
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
November 2, 2012
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.
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.
South Korea
Sri Lanka
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
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
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
November 2, 2012
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.
Softbank has formed a partnership with Thailand's
state-owned operator TOT, which will focus on joint
development of a 2.3 GHz LTE TDD network using
TOT's allocation of 64 MHz bandwidth. It is likely that
the LTE network will be used for mobile backhaul for
Wi-Fi access points and mobile cell sites.
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
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 2.6 GHz spectrum
auction 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.
November 2, 2012
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.
The owner of 3 Austria confirmed in February 2012
the intent to acquire Orange Austria, 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 is unlikely to proceed
before September 2013.
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)
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
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. 2.6 GHz
may be used where more capacity is needed.
Commercial service is planned November 5, 2012..
Mobistar is testing LTE and announced its intention
to deploy LTE in both 1800 and 2600 MHz bands for
commercial launch in 2013.
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.
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
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
November 2, 2012
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 ( 2 8 MHz), 4G Com
EAD (2 8 MHz) and Bulsatcom (2 5 MHz).
Croatia
T-Hrvatski Telekom commercially launched LTE in
10 MHz of 1800 MHz spectrum (LTE1800) on March
23, 2012 in Zagreb with free mobile data access on
its LTE network until October 1, 2012. Osijek, Rijeka
and Split are now covered as well as 50% of Zagreb.
VIPNet demonstrated LTE in 800 MHz in March 2011
and launched a trial for 20 consumers 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.
In late October 2012 regulator HAKOM announced
the results of the digital dividend (800 MHz band 20)
spectrum auction. Three blocks were offered,
however VIPNet and T-Hrvatski Telekom were the
only bidders. The total raised fom the auction was
about 40 million, and annual spectrum usage fees
will also apply. VIPNet acquired 2 x 10 MHz of this
spectrum. The winners are required to achieve
coverage to at least 50% of the territory in five years.
HAKOM has launched a consultation into use of 900
and 1800 MHz for mobile broadband, including LTE.
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, regulator CTU issued terms and
conditions for a planned auction of 800, 1800 and
2600 MHz 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. Four bidders have been accepted, and the
results should be known by the end of this year.
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.
November 2, 2012
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 Kr (approx USD124.3
million) total was paid for the 5 blocks of spectrum on
offer (four 2 x 5 MHz blocks, one 2 x 10 MHz block).
The licences have coverage requirements, and
spectrum may be used from January 1, 2013.
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.
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 in the
centers of Tallinn, Tartu, Kohila, and at the IT College
of Tallinn University of Technology. On December 19,
2011 EMT announced start of LTE network
deployment in 1800 MHz. Commercial service is now
delivered using LTE1800 as well as 2.6 GHz. EMT
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 commercial service launch in
November 2012, with 150 base stations activated.
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.
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
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.
Finland
France
20-year 2.6 GHz licenses were auctioned by regulator

FICORA on 23 November 2009:
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.
November 2, 2012
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.
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.
November 2, 2012
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.
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
Vodafone GR showcased the capabilities of LTE in a

public demonstration in Athens on October 27, 2012.
3 Ireland is preparing to commercially launch LTE;

the date depends on availability of suitable spectrum.
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.
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
Hungary
T-Mobile (MT) commercially launched LTE1800
technology based services on January 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
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
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.
Vodafone has started LTE trials in the Valle d'Aosta.
November 2, 2012
Telecom Italia launched its LTE program in 2009

followed by trials. A public users trial was launched in
Turin February 16-22, 2012. Telecom Italia has
spectrum for LTE in 800, 1800 and 2600 MHz bands.
On October 16, 2012 the company announced that
commercial service will open on November 7, 2012
initially in Rome, Milan, Turin and Naples. By end
2012 LTE services will be available in over 20 cities,
and then progress across the rest of Italy.
Wind plans early 2013 LTE launch in all major cities.
AsiaInfo, Global Telecom Asia, ToTel, Aknet,

Kurulush Invest, T-Com, Fraton Plus, Aytel, Foris
Telecom, WTT, Saima Telecom and Intranet KG.
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.
Jersey
CDMA operator Triatel is testing LTE in 800 MHz.
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.
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.
According to media reports, the
National
Communications Agency has allocated spectrum for
LTE and WiMAX deployments to 12 companies:
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
Regulator Institute Luxembourgeois de Rgulation
(ILR) has introduced technology neutral licences for
P & T, Orange and Tango and granted extra 1800
MHz spectrum at the request of the operators, paving
the way for deploying LTE in 1800 MHz (LTE1800).
November 2, 2012
Tango Luxembourg commercially launched its LTE

network on October 1, 2012 for 60% of the
population, increasing to 90% by end 2012.
launched by end 2013. Cable and Wireless, the main

shareholder, chose Monaco as the Groups test-bed.
Montenegro
Orange announced the results of its trial 20 MHz LTE

network on September 8, 2010 and launched its
commercial LTE network on October 29, 2012 with
introductory service prices. The Orange LTE network
was used during the wedding of Grand Duc
Guillaume and Countess Stephanie on October 2223, 2012 to carry images from broadcaster RTL.
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.
P & T is also deploying a commercial LTE network.

Netherlands
Macedonia
Regulator AEC is consulting with operators on how to
introduce LTE, and a spectrum auction. The release
of 800 MHz spectrum is scheduled for June 1, 2013.
However, AUE announced in October that no interest
(bids) had been received. The tender invitation was to
have been opened on December 1, 2012.
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
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 began 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 are 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.
November 2, 2012
TeleNor is deploying a commercial network initially

using 2.6 GHz spectrum. Commercial service launch
was confirmed on October 10, 2012 for customers in
11 cities and towns - Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim,
Stavanger, Lrenskog, Sandnes, Lillestrm, Asker,
Brum, Lofthus and Longyearbyen. Fredrikstad,
Sarpsborg, Skien, Porsgrunn, Drammen and
Kristiansand will be covered by end 2012. In a later
phase Telenor intends to use 800 MHz for nationwide
coverage and also plans to refarm 1800 MHz
spectrum for LTE. The company is aiming for 90%
population coverage with LTE by 2015.
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.
Six companies submitted bids for 5 lots of 1800 MHz
spectrum currently being auctioned by UKE. Once
adjudication is completed, winners will receive
licenses valid until December 31, 2027 and which
require operators to launch commercially within 12
months of receipt, and have 1,800 base stations
within 2 years.
Plans of PTK Centertel (Orange) and P4 (Play) to
create a combined LTE network are approved. This
new JV will be allowed to bid in the 2.6 GHz auction.
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. 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum
was sold to the 3 incumbents. Vodafone also
acquired 2 x 5 MHz of new 900 MHz spectrum, but
another block was not sold. Spectrum in 450 MHz
and 2.1 GHz was not sold.
TMN launched commercial LTE service on March 12,
2012 in 2.6 GHz. Population coverage exceeded 80%
in April 2012 when 800 MHz was brought into use.
TMN plans over 90% coverage by end 2012.
Vodafone commercially launched LTE service on
March 12, 2012 in 2.6 GHz. The LTE network will
eventually also use 800 and 1800 MHz.
Optimus launched commercial LTE service on March
15, 2012 using 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz in more
dense areas. 800 MHz is 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
November 2, 2012
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. On October 31, 2012 Vodafone
announced pilot LTE1800 networks had been
deployed in 10 cities; commercial service launch is
expected January 2013.
Cosmote acquired one block in 800 MHz, 2 blocks in
900 MHz, 5 blocks in 1800 MHz and 2 blocks in 2.6
GHz. Cosmote plans to launch LTE services in 2013.
RCS & RDS plans to deploy LTE in its newly
acquired 900 MHz spectrum.
2K Telecom won 2 blocks of 15 MHz of 2.6 GHz
TDD spectrum (band 38) and anticipates service
launch in 2014.
In October 2012 ANCOM published a draft Decision
proposing to allow use of 900 and 1800 MHz for 4G
(including LTE). 4G systems may also be deployed in
800 MHz and 2600 MHz spectrum from 2014.
Operators may choose whether to implement new
technologies in these frequencies, the deployment
timescale, and the date of commercial service launch.
The draft decision is subject to a public consultation
before becoming effective.
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
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
November 2, 2012
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
October 2012 Yota announced that a test LTEAdvanced network had been deployed in Moscow,
featuring Carrier Aggregation (Release 10 feature).
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, and is
expected to begin in 2013.
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 networks 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
intention to launch its LTE service in the North
Caucasus federal district in 2013 and has since
covered plans to launch in at least 5 regions 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.
November 2, 2012
Telefonica O2 commercially launched LTE services

on August 2, 2012 using LTE1800.
networks are running. Yoigo acquired 1800 MHz

spectrum in 2011 for LTE1800.
Orange committed to commercial LTE deployment.
Regional start-up COTA has been trialling LTE TDD

in Regin de Murcia and is deploying a commercial
2.6 GHz TDD network for November 2012 launch.
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 is expected to
be commercially launched in 2012.
Regulator APEK has authorized test spectrum for
LTE in the 700 MHz band (746-756MHz / 777-787
MHz) to a company called Neuron for tests between
October 9, 2012 and January 9, 2013 in Ljubljana.
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
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
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
November 2, 2012
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 were held in Orange Centers in
various cities this year. Commercial LTE1800 service
will be launched in 10 cities on June 1, 2013
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
Tajikistan
Babilon-Mobile commercially launched LTE service
in Dushanbe on October 6, 2012. The network is
deployed in 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz spectrum and
initially the Huawei E398 USB dongle is offered.
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 switch-on of its first
system in London. This was the worlds first TD-LTE
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. LTE service is now available for consumers
and businesses in Reading, Scunthorpe, Southwark
(London), and Swindon. Indoor and outdoor CPEs
are available in this band, portable hotspots are
coming, and smartphones are expected in 2013.
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 has trialled LTE in Wales using 800 MHz..
EE (formerly Everything Everywhere), owner of the
Orange and T-Mobile UK brands launched
commercial LTE1800 service in 11 cities (Bristol,
Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds,
Liverpool, London, Manchester, Sheffield and
Southampton) on October 30, 2012. Coverage will be
extended to 16 cities (adding Belfast, Derby, Hull,
Newcastle, Nottingham) by end 2012. EE expects to
achieve 98% population covered by end 2014.
November 2, 2012
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.
Unitel is trialling LTE in 2.1 GHz and showcased LT

at the Filda Exhibition, July 2011.
Bahrain
3 UK has a pilot LTE network in Maidenhead and

Slough, to be followed by a consumer-based trial, and
awarded an infrastructure supply contract. 3 UK has
agreed to buy 2 x 15 MHz of 1800 MHz spectrum
from EE, and plans commercial LTE launch in 2013.
Initially planned for 2009, the 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz
auction by Ofcom of LTE spectrum was repeatedly
delayed. Bidding is now expected to begin Q1 2013.
Ofcom has announced that it will be releasing 800
MHz digital dividend 5 months earlier than originally
planned, meaning it will be cleared for LTE
deployments across much of the UK by Spring 2013.
Subject to the outcome of the auction, both O2 and
Vodafone are expected to launch LTE commercial
services in Q2 2013.
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.
In August 2009 Zain confirmed 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
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.
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.
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.
November 2, 2012
Israel
Emtel soft-launched its LTE1800 network on May 29,

2012, and commercially launched at end July 2012
Cellcom awarded infrastructure upgrade contracts to

two suppliers one for the north, one for the south.
Spectrum for commercial service is awaited.
Morocco
Jordan
Regulator ANRT is preparing for a spectrum auction

for LTE in Autumn 2012, implying commercial
systems could launch by end 2013 or early 2014.
Zain Jordan plans to launch LTE service in 2012.

Namibia
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.
The Minister of Communications announced in
October 2012 that the three mobile operators (Zain,
Viva and Wataniya Telecom) have been granted
licenses to deploy LTE in re-farmed 1800 MHz
spectrum subject to payment of a KD 250,000 fee.
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.
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.
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.
Madagascar
Oman
WiMAX BWA operator Blueline is deploying a
commercial LTE TDD system (2.3 GHz).
Mauritius
Orange Mauritius commercially launched LTE1800
on June 21, 2012 in parts of Port Luis.
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).
Recently the regulator granted access to 1800 MHz
spectrum and Omantel is deploying an LTE1800
network for launch in Q4 2012.
November 2, 2012
Nawras showcased LTE in March 2012 in the Muscat

Grand Mall, and announced its supplier for its 2.3
GHz LTE TDD network. Recently the regulator
granted access to 1800 MHz spectrum and now
Nawras is focusing on deploying an LTE1800 network
for launch in the near term.
Telkom South Africa (8ta) will use re-farmed 1800

MHz (LTE1800). 8ta also has 70 MHz of 2.3 GHz
TDD spectrum. 8ta has been testing LTE for about a
year and launched a free user trial in Guateng for the
period November 1, 2012 March 31, 2013.
Qatar
Cell C is deploying LTE in existing 2.1 GHz spectrum

and plans commercial service launch by end 2012.
On December 7, 2010 Vodafone announced a live

demonstration of LTE in 800 MHz spectrum.
CDMA operator Neotel is trialling LTE in Midrand in

own 800 MHz. Neotel also owns 3.5 GHz 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.
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.
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.
Digital TV switchover was due to begin April 2012.

The Communications Ministry is reported to be near
the point where spectrum for LTE could be allocated.
800MHz digital dividend spectrum would become
available only in 2015. On the other hand, 2.6Hz
could be brought into use immediately.
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.
Zain launched commercial LTE1800 (FDD) service in

Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam on September 14, 2011,
planning expansion to all major cities by end 2012.
Telesis Tanzania, which currently operates as a

mobile virtual network aggregator (MVNA) supporting
services for a number of MVNOs, is deploying an LTE
network and announced its infrastructure supplier.
The LTE network is being deployed in digital dividend
spectrum.
South Africa
Tunisia
Vodacom commercially launched LTE1800 service

on October 10, 2012 initially via around 70 base
stations in Johannesburg. The company plans to
have 500 LTE sites activated by end 2012.
Tunisiana is upgrading its network to 3G and LTE.
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.
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
November 2, 2012
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
currently includes major cities representing 80%
population coverage, planning 99% by 2015. 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 and expects to cover 90% of the population
by 2014. In October 2012 company announced it had
successfully tested 4x4 MIMO configuration on its
LTE networks, achieving 300 Mbps downlink speed.
RECOMMENDED: Driving Mobile Broadband
Innovation in UAE: LTE Evolution as a Next Step
after 42 Mbps with DC-HSPA+
Presentation by Dr. Ayman Elnashar, Sr. Director,
Wireless Broadband & Site Sharing, EITC (du)
Download via the link on www.gsacom.com
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
November 2, 2012
LTE TDD: Global network commitments,

trials, deployments, commercial launches
Nigeria
Oman
LTE TDD LINKEDIN GROUP: approx 1400 Members

www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=3978061
Australia
Australia
Austria
Brazil
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
Brazil
Sunrise Telecomunicacoes acquired 2.6

GHz spectrum
Canada
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 in 2012 with 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
Canada
China
Croatia
Denmark
France
Madagascar
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 deploying LTE TDD
BSNL may introduce LTE TDD
MTNL may introduce LTE TDD

LTE TDD testing was completed June 2010
Softbank Mobile commercially launched
XGP/LTE TDD network, band 41, Feb 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
Montenegro
Velatel is deploying LTE TDD in 3.5 GHz
Nepal
NT deploying 2.3 GHz LTE TDD
Germany
Hong Kong
India
Ireland
Japan
Malaysia
Poland
Russia
Saudi
Arabia
Singapore
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Taiwan
Thailand
UK
Uruguay
USA
Venezuela
Zoda Fones deploying 2.6 GHz LTE TDD

Omantel commercially launched 2.3 GHz
LTE TDD on July 16, 2012
Nawras demonstrated 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 deploying LTE TDD network
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
November 2, 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 all 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.
41 commercial LTE1800 networks are now

launched in 29 countries - see next page
LTE1800 User Devices Ecosystem
GSAs mobile broadband devices database contains
113 LTE user devices that can operate in 1800 MHz.
This figure is 126% higher than the number that GSA
reported in January 2012.
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 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: 1,431 Members (Nov 1, 2012)
www.linkedin.com/groups?=&gid=3129390
November 2, 2012
LTE1800 network deployments worldwide

(red = commercially launched)
Poland
Lithuania
Singapore
Germany
Latvia
Finland
S. Arabia
Australia
Denmark
Finland
Mobyland/
CenterNet
Omnitel
M1
DT
LMT
TeliaSonera
Zain
Telstra
Telia
Elisa
Hong Kong
CSL Limited
Singapore
Finland
Hungary
Sth Korea
Portugal
SingTel
DNA
T Mobile
KT
Optimus
Japan
eAccess
Croatia
Croatia
Angola
UAE
Namibia
Estonia
UAE
Azerbaijan
Czech Rep
Mauritius
Dominican
Republic
Slovenia
Australia
Hungary
Hong Kong
Philippines
T-Hrvatski
VIPNet
Movicel
Etisalat
MTC
EMT
Du
Azercell
O2
Orange
Orange
Dominicana
Si.mobil
Optus
Telenor
Smartone
Smart
Slovak R.
Singapore
Mauritius
Denmark
Philippines
Tajikistan
S. Africa
UK
O2
StarHub
Emtel
3 Denmark
Globe
Babilon-M
Vodacom
EE
Australia
VHA
Commercially launched
LTE1800/2600 commercial
LTE2600/1800 DC-HSPA+
commercial service launched
LTE2600/1800 DC-HSPA+
LTE800/1800/2600
commercially launched
(band 9, i.e. within band 3)
LTE850/1800/2100
LTE1800 in deployment
Belgium
Belgium
Bulgaria
Bulgaria
Brazil
China
Denmark
Estonia
France
Mobistar
Proximus
M-TEL
Vivacom
Oi
MIIT
Telenor
Elisa
Bouygues
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Indonesia
Italy
Kuwait
Laos
Luxemburg
Malaysia
Oman
Oman
Philippines
Poland
Poland
Romania
Romania
Romania
Russia
Russia
Slovak R.
Slovenia
Orange
Magticom
E Plus
Cosmote
Indosat
3 Italia
All operators
Beeline Lao
All operators
Celcom
Nawras
Omantel
Bayan Tel
All operators
Polkomtel
Orange
Vodafone
Cosmote
Tele2
SMARTS
All operators
Mobitel
Sth Africa
Sth Africa
Sth Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sweden
8ta
MTN
SK Telecom
Yoigo
Dialog Axiata
Tele2
/TeleNor
TeliaSonera
Orange
Sweden
Switzland
Thailand
Thailand
Turkey
Venezuela
AIS/DPC-CAT
True Move
Avea
Digitel
Trials, LTE1800 planned
60 MHz allocated for LTE
In deployment
Trials, regulatory approval
needed
Trials: 800,1800, 2600 MHz
1800 MHz is an option
Trials
Trialled
LTE1800 planned
Deploying LTE1800 + 2600
Allowed by regulator
Trials 1800 and 2600 MHz
Allowed by regulator
Trials 1800 and 2600 MHz
Plans to deploy LTE1800
New 1800 MHz auction
LTE1800 pilot network
Tests completed
Pilot trial network in Ufa
Incumbents interested
LTE800/1800/2600
LTE1800 launch target 2012
LTE1800 planned
LTE1800 in deployment via
Net4Mobility joint venture
Trials
Planning trials
Trials
Embracing the 1800MHz opportunity: Driving

mobile forward with LTE in the 1800MHz band
www.gsacom.com/lte1800
Key Findings: www.gsacom.com/news/gsa_342.php4
November 2, 2012
308 LTE commitments in 94 countries

Country
Operator
Launch actual
and expected
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
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
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
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
Guam
UK
Hungary
Dominican R
Slovenia
USA
Oman
Australia
Mauritius
Slovak Rep
Hong Kong
Russia
USA
Singapore
Japan
Japan
Canada
Denmark
Philippines
Luxembourg
Guam
Tajikistan
Norway
South Africa
USA
Luxembourg
UK
Andorra
Azerbaijan
Belgium
Belgium
Canada
China
Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Denmark
Dominican R
Estonia
Estonia
France
Ghana
Ghana
India
Italy
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Laos
Laos
Lithuania
Lithuania
Malaysia
Malaysia
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
IT&E
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
DoCoMo Pacific
Babilon Mobile
Telenor
Vodacom
Alaska Communications
Orange
EE
Andorra Telecom
Azerfon
Belgacom (Proximus)
Clearwire Belgium (LTE TDD)
Sasktel
China Telecom
Claro
ICE
TeleNor
Emtel
Elisa
Tele2
SFR
Glo Mobile
NITA (LTE TDD)
Qualcomm India LTE Venture
3 Italia
Telecom Italia
KDDI
Zain
Beeline Lao
LTC
Bite
Tele2
P1 Networks (LTE TDD)
Asiaspace (LTE TDD)
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 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
Launched 04.10.12
Launched 06.10.12
Launched 10.10.12
Launched 10.10.12
Launched 12.10.12
Launched 29.10.12
Launched 30.10.12
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
November 2, 2012
Mexico
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Nepal
Paraguay
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
Spain
Spain
Switzerland
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Chile
Chile
France
Ireland
Russia
Switzerland
Australia
Australia
Bahamas
Belgium
Brazil
Brazil
Brazil
Brazil
Chile
France
India
India
India
Italy
Italy
Kazakhstan
Malaysia
Malaysia
Malaysia
Malaysia
Monaco
Nepal
Oman
Puerto Rico
Romania
Romania
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Switzerland
UK
UK
UK
USA
USA
USA
Bulgaria
Telcel
Telefonica
Moldcell
Telenor
Ncell
Vox
Sprint Nextel
Qtel
Orange
Antares Group
Mobitel
Cell C
MTN
WBS (iBurst)
COTA (LTE TDD)
Orange
Swisscom
Aircell
BayRICS
Bluegrass Cellular
CenturyLink
Cross Telephone
NorthwestCell
VTel Wireless
West Central Wireless
Beeline
Digitel
Entel PCS
Movistar
Orange
Hutchison 3
Rostelecom FDD and TDD
Sunrise
BigAir
VHA
BTC
Mobistar
Claro
Oi
TIM
Vivo
Claro
Bouygues Telecom
Aircell (LTE TDD)
Reliance (LTE TDD)
Tikona Digital (LTE TDD)
Vodafone
Wind
Altel
DiGi
Maxis
REDtone
YTL Communications Yes
Monaco Telecom
Nepal Telecom (LTE TDD)
Nawras
T Mobile
Cosmote
Vodafone
Megafon FDD and TDD
Osnova Telecom (LTE TDD)
Tele2
Vimpelcom
Orange
Hutchison 3
O2
Vodafone
Clearwire
Copper Valley Telecom
T-Mobile USA
M-Tel
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
2012-13
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
2013
2013
2013
2013
2013
2013
2013-14
China
Bahamas
Romania
Armenia
Armenia
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Belarus
Belize
Belgium
Brazil
Canada
China
Colombia
Croatia
Dominican R
Egypt
Egypt
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Greece
Hong Kong
Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia
Israel
Jamaica
Jersey
Kazakhstan
Kuwait
Latvia
Latvia
Lebanon
Lebanon
Libya
Luxembourg
Madagascar
Malaysia
Malaysia
Moldova
Montenegro
Namibia
New Zealand
New Zealand
Nigeria
Nigeria
Panama
Philippines
Poland
Poland
Romania
Russia
Slovak Rep
South Africa
Spain
Spain
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Taiwan
Taiwan
Tanzania
Tunisia
Uruguay
USA
USA
USA
China Mobile (LTE TDD)

CBL
2K Telecom
Armentel
Orange Armenia
EnergyAustralia Ausgrid
Orange
Bakcell
Zain
BeST (Life)
BTL
KPN Base
Sunrise Telecom (LTE TDD)
Videotron
Velatel-Aerostrong (LTE TDD)
Tigo
Velatel (LTE TDD)
Tricom
Etisalat Misr
Vodafone
Datame (LTE TDD)
Bollore Telecom (LTE TDD)
E Plus
Cosmote
Vodafone
21 Vianet Group (LTE TDD)
Indosat
Telkomsel
XL Axiata
Cellcom
Claro
Clear Mobitel
Kcell
Zain
Bite
Tele2
Alfa
MTC Touch
Al Madar
P&T
Blueline (LTE TDD)
Celcom
U Mobile
Orange
Velatel (LTE TDD)
Leo (Cell One)
Telecom NZ
Vodafone NZ
Globacom
Zoda Fones (LTE TDD)
Cable and Wireless
Bayan Telecommunications
ERA/T-Mobile
PTK Centertel (Orange)
RCS & RDS
Smoltelecom (LTE TDD)
Orange
8ta
Telefnica
Vodafone
Yoigo
Dialog Axiata
Mobitel
Global Mobile (LTE TDD)
Chunghwa Telecom
Telesis
Tunisiana
Dedicado (LTE TDD)
Agri-Valley Broadband
Appalachian Wireless
Carolina West Wireless
2013-14
2014
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
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
November 2, 2012
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
Vietnam
Venezuela
Venezuela
Chariton Valley Comms

Chat Mobility
Custer Telephone
ETC
Etex Telephone Co-op
Commnet Wireless
Convergence Technologies
Lightsquared
Matanuska Telephone Assoc
Sagebrush Cellular (Nemont)
O2 Secure Wireless
PVT
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
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
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

www.gsacom.com November 2, 2012
52 pre-commitment LTE network trials

Country
Abkhaz
Angola
Argentina
Argentina
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Belarus
Belgium
Bolivia
Botswana
Brazil
Brazil
Brazil
Bulgaria
Canada
Canada
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)
China
Czech Republic
Egypt
Georgia
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
Taiwan
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Turkey
Turkey
UK
Ukraine
USA
USA
Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam
Unicom
T-Mobile trials July September 2012
Mobinil
Magticom
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
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

www.gsacom.com November 2, 2012
521 LTE User Devices (November 2, 2012)

GSA regularly updates the contents of its database of LTE user devices which have been officially announced by
manufacturers.The GSA database now comprises 521 products (including operator and frequency variants) which
have been announced by 79 manufacturers (November 2, 2012). This represents 164% increase compared to the
number of LTE user devices we reported one year ago (197 products at that time). Press release:
www.gsacom.com/news/gsa_364.php
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.
November 2, 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
Spectrum Management Forum, Munich: November 6-7, 2012
Middle East Com, Dubai: December 4-5, 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 report
Status of the Global LTE1800 Market report
Operator Viewpoint presentations - including Telstra, Du, Dialog Axiata, STC, Aero2
LTE TDD LinkedIN Group
LTE1800 LinkedIN Group
LTE User Devices LinkedIN Group
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 53,000 registered website users for dialog, knowledge gathering, sharing of key facts, trends, and analysis.
Over 12,000 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
Comments about this report or updates are welcome 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

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Evolution to LTE Report

This report and all related materials and resources

LTE Market Summary November 2, 2012

308 operator commitments in 94 countries

GSA forecasts 166 commercial LTE networks

Comments about the report including news/updates

GSA re-affirms LTE as the fastest developing

GSA provides additional LTE-related resources to

LTE is entering a new phase as a mainstream

Selected charts and maps are also available as PDF

Status of the LTE Ecosystem report

GSAs definition of commercial launch:

Evolution to LTE Report

113 commercial LTE networks in 51 countries

TMN (Portugal Telecom)

Evolution to LTE Report

Upcoming launch dates pre-announced by operators (actual

The 3GPP LTE system, which

Spectrum for LTE deployments

geographical coverage and improved in-buildicotang

Instantaneous downlink peak data rate of at least

Instantaneous uplink peak data rate of 50 Mb/s

Downlink: average user throughput per MHz, 3 to

Uplink: average user throughput per MHz, 2-3

E-UTRAN optimized for low mobile speed: 0-15

Spectrum flexibility: scalable to operate in 1.4, 3,

Co-existence with GERAN/3G on adjacent

Improvements in latency, capacity, throughput

Evolution to LTE Report

Simplified support and handover to non-3GPP

The result is the evolved packet system consisting of

LTE TDD Systems

IMT-Advanced provides a global platform on which to

3GPP published Release 10 of the standard in March

Evolution to LTE Report

series of Releases, allowing the industry to make

LTE networks, developments global round-up

Chariton Valley Missouri

Pioneer Cellular launched commercial LTE service

Evolution to LTE Report

Bay Area Counties and 3 core cities, San Francisco,

2012 in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau. Initial

BendBroadband announced on May 17, 2012 that

Sprint commercially launched LTE FDD service on

C Spire Wireless holds 700 MHz Band 12 spectrum

Clearwire Corp. is deploying LTE TDD in 2496

Softbank (Japan) has announced plans to buy 70%

Evolution to LTE Report

provide high-capacity connectivity on the combined

develop, test and refine operating methodologies

NetAmerica Alliance LLC aims to help bring LTE

South Georgia Regional Information Technology

Network operators Etex Telephone Cooperative,

United Wireless has added LTE to its CDMA

WiMAX operator SpeedConnect is deploying

US Cellular in partnership with King Street Wireless

Evolution to LTE Report

North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin. 30

PUBLIC SAFETY Band 14 (788-798/758-768 MHz)

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

The Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications

Evolution to LTE Report

and Guelph on September 14, 2011 and now covers