Alcatel-Lucent has announced the results of an independent research study which found that its commercially deployed Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) technology provides better service than 3G Circuit Switched (CS) voice and Internet calling services and Skype software.

South Korea's operator SK Telecom has successfully commercialized 2G and 3G services through LTE network. Named ‘2G/3G over LTE,’ the technology enhances the stability of 2G/3G mobile networks by utilizing LTE network as backhaul instead of fixed-line 2G/3G infrastructure. 

Philippines' telecommunications company Globe Telecom has awarded a LTE contract to Alcatel-Lucent for transformation of wireless network infrastructure in the Philippine regions of Visayas and Mindanao, upgrading it from WiMax to LTE-TDD and LTE-FDD ultra-broadband access technologies.

Earlier this month, Nokia announced that the company has been selected by Orange France and Orange Slovensko to evolve the operator's Radio Access Network for 5G.

Ericsson, SK Telecom (SKT) and Qualcomm have successfully established a 5G NR data call on mid-band over SKT’s live, 5G commercial network in Busan, South Korea. SK Telecom plans to launch 5G commercial services with 5G smartphones, built on the collaborative work with Ericsson and Qualcomm Technologies, in the first half of 2019.

Movistar Chile has selected Nokia Siemens Networks to implement its LTE network in 2.6 GHz frequency band. According to company, the contract covers the capital area, Greater Santiago, with close to six million inhabitants, as well as other cities such as Valparaíso and Viña del Mar.