Telecom Italia has announced begining of second phase of LTE tests using two 20 MHz blocks in the 2500-2690 MHz frequency band, allowing data transmission speeds of up to 140 Mbit/s per cell.

According to company statement, this latest trial, using pre-commercial equipment and coordinated with major technology partners like Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Huawei and Nokia Siemens Networks, will involve a series of integrated tests on 17 new sites in the centre of Turin, home to Telecom Italia Group's TILab research and excellence centre.

During the tests, Telecom Italia aims to verify the main LTE functionality and services and examine the stability and interoperability of the entire communication chain between the partners’ base radio stations and it's existing mobile network, as well as testing the use of the next generation keys for ultrabroadband connection. 

“LTE represents a major step forward enabling us to provide 100 Mbit/s connections, but progresses in 3G technology will already allow us to offer our mobile Internet customers higher speeds over the coming months,” said Oscar Cicchetti, Director Technology & Operations, Telecom Italia.