Verizon Wireless will begin deploying small cells into its 4G LTE network during the second half of 2013 working with network vendors including Alcatel-Lucent. Small cell deployments are part of operator's balanced approach to network capacity.
Tekelec has been selected by Telefónica UK to provide the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) in the 3G and LTE core networks. The Policy Server will combine with Tekelec’s Subscriber Profile Repository to enable Telefónica UK to offer advanced services for smartphones, tablets and other mobile data devices.
Huawei and China Mobile (CMCC) recently successfully completed Flash CSFB to GSM field test on a live LTE TDD network. According to Huawei, its Flash CSFB solution requires less time to complete end-to-end call setups compared with traditional CSFB and is capable of handovers to GSM and UMTS.
Smile Communications Tanzania has launched the commercial 4G LTE broadband network in country after more than a year of extensive testing. In 2012, operator chose Tanzania as the first country in Africa in which to deploy its LTE network.
Japanese operator NTT DOCOMO has unveiled its 2013 summer lineup of 11 models, including nine smartphones, one tablet and one Raku-Raku SMART PHONE, for launch in Japan on or after May 17. All new models are compatible with DOCOMO's LTE service for a max.
Sri Lanka’s Dialog Broadband Networks, a subsidiary of Dialog Axiata, has gained additional 2.3GHz spectrum with acquisition of Sky. Sky is a licensed Pay Television Operator in Sri Lanka and is currently in possession of spectrum resources in the 2.3GHz spectrum band
Nokia Siemens Networks has opened a Global Delivery Center (GDC) hub in Zhengzhou, province of Henan. According to company, the new facility will provide tools, processes and skilled resources to remotely manage mobile broadband networks for operators in China and around the world.
Singapore’s telecom operator SingTel has announced the launch of 4G mobile broadband service in country to offer speeds of up to 150Mbps. SingTel is offering new monthly Mobile Broadband 150 price plan at $59.90/month for 5GB data plan.
TeliaSonera’s subsidiary Yoigo will launch 4G LTE services in Spain in July. The commercial launch of the 4G network for contract customers will be held on July 18 in Madrid with 405 base stations, more cities to be added later this year.
Bhutan Telecom plans to deploy 4G LTE service capability in Thimphu. Initially, operator intends to deploy a site each in Chubachu and Motithang. It is expected that customers will be able to avail the service within 0.5-1 km radius from these sites.
South Korea's SK Telecom has started upgrading its existing LTE network to LTE-Advanced and conducted a field test under real network environment using a smartphone. Operator plans to commercialize LTE-Advanced service within September 2013 to enable faster data speeds.
U.S. carrier AT&T has launched its 4G LTE service in 17 new markets on April 30. Operators LTE network is now live in 207 markets. AT&T 4G LTE is expected to cover 300 million people by year-end 2014.
UK’s EE has launched LTE services in 12 more towns across the UK, bringing the total number of towns and cities covered by LTE network to 62. The new LTE markets are Aylesbury, Berkhamsted, Billericay, Blackpool, Brentwood, Dewsbury, Huddersfield, Lytham St Annes, Marlow, Pontefract, Thame and Windsor.
France’s Bouygues Telecom has announced the commercial launch of its 4G LTE network in six cities on 6 May. The cities are Lyon, Strasbourg, Issy-les-Moulineaux, Vanves, Malakoff, and Toulouse. Operator will further expand LTE network in June in Lille, Douai, Lens and the Basque Coast.
Uganda's telecom operator MTN has launched 4G LTE network in country. MTN’s LTE service will initially be available in greater Kampala, with other towns to follow in the very near future.