T-Mobile and Nokia Networks are developing a pre-standards LAA (also referred to as LTE-U) solution for more LTE capacity and increased network performance. At Mobile World Congress, Nokia Networks will demonstrate the capabilities of LAA, using its Nokia Flexi Zone small cells technology, currently deployed by T-Mobile. The demonstration will include carrier aggregation between LTE in licensed and unlicensed spectrum and the technology’s co-existence with Wi-Fi.

A prototype will show LAA live to demonstrate its features and ability to co-exist in a single box with a licensed LTE small cell solution. The demonstration will showcase co-existence with Wi-Fi, operating on the same frequency band with LAA.

With LAA, users will benefit from the additional capacity available from the unlicensed spectrum, particularly in hotspots and indoor locations. The 5 GHz frequency band, typically used for Wi-Fi today, can uniquely complement licensed LTE bands, and LTE can provide better spectrum efficiency than current technologies on that band. Additionally, LAA brings all of LTE’s efficiencies and seamless mobility to the unlicensed band while ensuring smooth co-existence with Wi-Fi services. Carrier aggregation between LTE in licensed and unlicensed spectrum provides customers guaranteed service quality and boosts overall performance where needed.

LAA is planned for 3GPP industry standardization in mid-2016. Nokia Networks plans to integrate LAA capabilities into its small cell portfolio at the end of 2015.