Spectrum refarming at 1800 MHz key to LTE device adoption

A new study by Wireless Intelligence highlights the need for device manufacturers to prioritise the development of 4G LTE devices compatible with the 1800 MHz spectrum band. Refarmed spectrum, mainly in the 1800 MHz band, currently accounts for almost 40 percent of the global LTE market and will continue to do so over the next four years, the study says.

Wireless Intelligence estimates that global LTE connections stand at 39 million as of Q3 2012, comprising 93 live networks, including both the FDD and TDD variants. By 2016, the global LTE market is forecast to increase to over 500 million connections via more than 200 networks. However, LTE adoption is dependent on how much new spectrum mobile operators can acquire in the digital dividend and IMT-extension bands as well as how much existing 2G/3G spectrum they can refarm to use for 4G services.

Regulators and governments play a critical role in the adoption of LTE networks as they make these network capacity solutions available. However, the uncertainty surrounding regulatory decisions and the complex fragmentation of LTE frequencies at national and regional levels continue to negatively impact the development of LTE-compatible consumer devices.

The digital dividend band (700-800 MHz) currently accounts for 57 percent of global LTE connections, mainly due to the aggressive rollouts underway in North America. In contrast, the IMT-extension band (2500-2600 MHz) only supports 5 percent of global LTE connections with most deployments in this band located in Western and Northern Europe. Meanwhile, the spectrum refarming scenario accounts for 38 percent of the current global LTE market, of which over half (53 percent) relates to the 1800 MHz band. This refarming trend is allowing operators to introduce LTE prior to the allocation of additional spectrum by regulators.

There are 27 live LTE networks worldwide supporting the 1800 MHz band to date. Last month, UK regulator Ofcom gave permission for the country’s market leader Everything Everywhere to deploy LTE using its existing 1800 MHz band currently used for 2G services. This decision effectively gives the operator a 12-month head start over its rivals, which will have to wait for fresh 800/2600 MHz auctions later this year. Ofcom said its decision was partly motivated by the availability of 1800 MHz-compatible LTE consumer devices, a band not usually supported in HSPA equipment in the UK.

Wireless Intelligence expects that the share of global LTE connections using refarmed spectrum today (38 percent) will remain relatively stable over the next four years – despite regulatory moves to enable more operator LTE deployments in the IMT-extension and digital dividend bands. By 2016, Wireless Intelligence forecasts that all three spectrum scenarios will account for roughly similar shares of the global LTE market (one third each).

Source: http://www.mobilebusinessbriefing.com/articles/spectrum-refarming-at-1800-mhz-key-to-lte-device-adoption/25198 06 Sep 2012

VoLTE – 4G’s Next Big Test

Global LTE deployments are continuing to rise and the technology is gaining ever more market recognition. However, LTE currently possesses a key limitation that the industry is actively looking to resolve – the issue of voice. As it stands, LTE networks can only support data and are incapable of handling voice calls. From a consumer’s perspective, this could be viewed as a rather remarkable omission, considering that traditionally, the key role of mobile operators was to provide voice services. As a result, operators could be left vulnerable to being superseded by OTT providers, such as Skype, in the mobile voice market. This is the view of Paul Beaver, Products Director at wireless device testing company, Anite.

According to Beaver, the industry is increasingly determined to develop a solution which will allow voice calls to be made over LTE networks. Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology will also enable Operators to pioneer new business models, reinstating them as the primary purveyors of premium voice services.

VoLTE trials are currently being undertaken; with device manufacturers, chipset vendors and operators all testing VoLTE solutions in the laboratory. VoLTE is still in a state of technological infancy; and this has resulted in a diverse range of mobile operator interpretations in regard to how VoLTE should be integrated with networks and devices. These unique requirements mean that here can be no ‘one size fits all’ VoLTE solution for operators. Operators will instead have to rigorously test a diverse range of variable conditions; all of which could potentially impact on their ability to deploy and uphold VoLTE.

Mobile subscribers will continue to expect top quality voice services on their mobile, and a ‘best effort’ Voice over Internet Protocol type service, such as Skype, will not be sufficient. VoLTE must provide a top quality service, or risk gaining a negative perception amongst consumers. Upon VoLTE’s introduction, network signalling levels will naturally escalate and this will put networks under increased strain. Operators will need to prepare for this, and build this scenario into their program of testing.

VoLTE’s ultimate success will be determined by its proficiency in delivering top quality voice services across an all-IP network, on the latest LTE devices. However, cooperation within the mobile industry is a necessity if VoLTE is to emerge as a viable commercial possibility.

According to Beaver, a rigorous testing program will be a decisive factor in determining the success of VoLTE’s introduction – particularly in consideration of the variety of implementations taking place. This could be a costly and labour intensive process. By leveraging lab-based testing, handset manufacturers, chipset vendors and mobile operators can utilise a simulated network environment to test both component interoperability and audio quality. By adopting this method of testing, operators no longer rely on live network testing and expensive, time consuming device field trials. Meticulous VoLTE testing can be performed more easily and at a reduced cost. Lab based testing can help to ensure that VoLTE works as expected and in turn, will maintain mobile operators as the leading service providers in the mobile voice market.

Source: http://lteworld.org/blog/volte-4g-s-next-big-test  Posted on 16. Aug, 2012 by jai