UK Broadband (UKB) has switched on its first 4G TD-LTE system in London using 3.5GHz spectrum. UKB is deploying its network using Huawei’s TD-LTE solution.

Company will operate a wholesale model, working with partners to offer commercial services from May 2012 to businesses, consumers and the public sector. The network will initially cover the Southbank and Borough areas of Southwark.

The network will use UKB’s 124MHz of spectrum in LTE bands 42 and 43 (3.5GHz and 3.6GHz).  This allows the deployment of 6 x 20MHz wide channels that will enable UKB to deliver LTE Advanced speeds and enough capacity across the network to deliver fast broadband speeds to a large number of users simultaneously.

The first devices, jointly developed by UKB and Huawei, include indoor and outdoor units for high-speed wireless broadband to homes and businesses within the coverage area.  Multi-mode mobile devices supporting TD-LTE, FD-LTE and 3G will be available from September 2012.

“We’re very excited to be switching on our first TD-LTE system in the UK using our 4G spectrum,” said Nicholas James, UKB’s CEO.