4G Global Update - May 17, 2011

 

Free WCAI Webinar on Using Real-Time Analytics on 4G Networks Is Tomorrow, May 18

WCAI

Next-generation 4G networks will create new opportunities for wireless operators and service providers, but will also present a range of fresh challenges. WCAI will hold a webinar to take an in-depth look at the implications of 4G for the way wireless services are delivered and networks are run. The webinar will focus on the strategic role of real-time analytics in providing the fine-grain data analysis that will enable providers to deliver compelling, revenue-generating new services—while controlling operating costs. The webinar — "Real-Time Actionable Intelligence Strategies for 4G Operators" — is scheduled for Wednesday, May 18 at 11 a.m. (U.S. Eastern Time). Moderated by Berge Ayvanzian of Heavy Reading, it will feature David Wiseman, Director Telecom Business Development at Sybase an SAP Company. Sponsored by Sybase an SAP Company, the webinar is free of charge and open to all. Register Now!

 

 

CSL Launches LTE Services for Existing Consumers in Hong Kong

TeleGeography

Hong Kong cellco CSL, which launched a LTE network for selected corporate users in November 2010, made its 4G mobile broadband services available to existing consumer subscribers to its high-end 1010 brand, though new customers will not be able to sign up until more devices are available, reports Telecomasia. 1010 customers who already use CSL’s 3.5G 21Mbps HSPA+ mobile broadband services can now upgrade to either a LTE/DC-HSPA+ service for HKD399 ($51.30) per month, or a DC-HSPA+ service for HKD339 a month. A dual-mode LTE/DC-HSPA+ USB dongle supplied by ZTE is currently the only device available for the service. MORE

 

 

US FAA Warns on LightSquared GPS Tests in Nevada

Light Reading Mobile

The U.S. Federal Aviation Authority has issued a warning that GPS service in an almost 300-mile circle over Nevada could be "unreliable or unavailable" for six-hour periods between May 16 and May 27 as LightSquared tests its L-Band network signal in Boulder City. The FAA is asking pilots to note any differences they see to GPS service if flying in that area and to watch for further notices. LightSquared's entire future could hinge on the results of tests like these. If there is found to be significant issues with GPS interference when the network is up and running, that would likely stop deployment of the planned wholesale network in its tracks. MORE

 

 

Gemini Comm to Launch WiMAX Service in Africa

The Financial Express

Telecom equipment vendor Gemini Communications (GCL) is likely to roll out WiMAX services in the African market through its African subsidiary company Rosy Blue Wireless (RBW) in the current fiscal, R Vijay Kumar, group chairman, GCL told FE. The Chennai-based company had acquired RBW last year for $20 million and has got 30 MHz WiMAX spectrum license for operating Internet 4G services in countries like Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi, he said. MORE

 

 

Green Packet, SK Telecom Plan RM202m Investment in P1 in Malaysia

Malaysia Star

Green Packet and South Korea's SK Telecom are investing a further RM201.6 million in Packet One Networks (P1) to support the network expansion of its 4G WiMAX/ TD-LTE in the coming two years. On completion of the additional investment, Green Packet's share in P1 will be increased to 59.36% from 57.13% now, while SK Telecom will hold a 25.97% share in P1, compared with the current 25.8%. MORE

 

 

Samsung Makes European LTE Network Play

Telecoms.com

Korean vendor Samsung has announced the creation of a new division tasked with breaking into the European LTE network equipment market. The European Network Operations organization will seek to promote Samsung's infrastructure products as well as a range of network optimization solutions. MORE

 

 

Sequans and Ericsson to Collaborate on TD-LTE

Telecoms.com

4G chipmaker Sequans Communications has announced the formation of a collaborative partnership with Ericsson that will see the pair working on developing and maturing TD-LTE technologies. Sequans CEO Georges Karam said the companies would focus on developing LTE technology "specifically for the major TD-LTE operator trials coming soon to India and elsewhere." MORE

 

 

Taiwan WiMAX Production Value to Reach NT$60 Billion in 2013, Says Government

Digitimes

Taiwan's production value of WiMAX hardware, software and application services will increase to NT$60 billion ($2.09 billion) in 2013, up from NT$15 billion in 2010, according to the National Science Council (NSC). Taiwan-made WiMAX products and/or services have been introduced to countries in India, Indonesia and Malaysia in Asia, Kenya, South Africa and Swaziland in Africa, as well as Latin America markets including Mexico, Jamaica, Venezuela and Saint Vincent, NSC pointed out. In addition, Taiwan-based makers have begun tapping new markets, including the Netherlands, Russia, Kazakhstan, Australia and New Zealand, NSC said. MORE

 

 

Vodafone Deepens Ties with Verizon

Light Reading Mobile

Ever mindful of its global strategy, Vodafone announced its intention to deepen its relationship with Verizon Wireless, in which it holds a 45% stake. It said the pair are to work together to "address the global enterprise market, target procurement savings and develop technology standardization," a move that could boost revenues, reduce costs and lead to speedier service creation. The two companies have already worked closely on new technology developments, having formed a machine-to-machine (M2M) strategic alliance in 2010 and been members of the Joint Innovation Lab that is now part of the Wholesale Applications Community. MORE

 

 

Maravedis Predicts 3G Subscriber Base in India to Reach 333 Million by 2016 - TD-LTE in the Horizon

Maravedis

With overall 2010 broadband penetration at 11 million subscribers who are mostly using DSL, there is a significant growth opportunity for the broadband wireless sector in India, according to the latest report by Maravedis. "The 3G subscriber base in India will reach 41 million by the end of 2011," said Basharat Ashai, author of the report. 3G players have moved ahead with their rollouts while BWA license holders are lagging behind evaluating various technologies such as WiMAX and TD-LTE. Maravedis said India represents a US$4 billion CAPEX opportunity for TD-LTE by 2016. The TD-LTE subscriber base in India will reach 2.25 million by the end of 2012, and 21 million by the end of 2016, it predicted. MORE