Newsletter January 2013

EDITORIAL

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Dear Readers,
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has signed an integrity pact with Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) to ensure transparency in the auction of 3G Spectrum licences in upcoming months. MoU was signed by Chairman PTA Mr. Farooq Awan and Chairman Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) Mr. Sohail Mazhar, while Federal Finance Minister Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh was also present at the occasion.

Kazakhtelecom has announced that its wholly-owned mobile subsidiary Altel has launched services based on 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology in Astana and Almaty. Azerbaijan is expected to reduce tariffs for telecommunication services rendered to providers by telecommunications operators.
MTS expects to resolve its dispute with Uzbek authorities over the closure of its MTS Uzbekistan unit early this year.

Qualcomm has introduced QCA1990 new ultra-low power near field communication (NFC) solution that will enable mobile devices with contactless communications and data exchange, including next-generation mobile payments. Qualcomm has also announced the release of the QCA871x series of high port-count Gigabit Ethernet switch solutions aimed at small and midsize businesses along with the QCA851x series of high port-count wired solutions, both designed to enable automated, end-to-end switch and access point solutions for cloud management.

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Industrial News

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Transparency International to Observe 3G Auction to Ensure Transparency

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has signed an integrity pact with Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) to ensure transparency in the auction of 3G Spectrum licences in upcoming months. MoU was signed by Chairman PTA Mr. Farooq Awan and Chairman Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) Mr. Sohail Mazhar, while Federal Finance Minister Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh was also present at the occasion. TIP will observe the entire 3G auction process to make sure that bidding remains transparent and corruption free. PTA, cellular companies, industry and other stakeholders are contented with the development. Consultants hired for 3G also welcomed the involvement of Transparency International Pakistan to ensure that the auction is conducted properly. Mainstream media and opposition, with usually limited understanding on technology, had concerns regarding the 3G auction and had fears that corruption could engulf 3G bidding. Pakistan is long trying to sell 3G licenses, which are hurdled over period of time for various reasons.
Source: ProPakistani

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VivaCell starts LTE modem sales

Armenian mobile operator VivaCell has started sales of the new Internet Express MF820d 4G USB modem in its shops. The device costs AMD 80,000, but is offered free when subscribing to the Internet Express 50 tariff for at least a year.
Source: Telecompaper

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Kazakhtelecom launches LTE in Astana, Almaty through Altel unit

Kazakhtelecom has announced that its wholly-owned mobile subsidiary Altel has launched services based on 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology in Astana and Almaty, as had previously been rumoured. The network will reportedly utilise the 1800MHz band. At the launch event, attended by President Nursultan Nazarbayev, communications minister Askar Zhumagaliyev noted that the company plans to oversee LTE rollouts in Karaganda, Aktau, Atyrau and Aktobe in the near future. LTE technology should be prevalent in all regional centres of Kazakhstan by 2014, with all municipalities with a population of over 50,000 earmarked for connectivity by 2015. The remainder of the country can expect to witness the introduction of LTE by 2018.
Source: TeleGeography

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Kyrgyzstan operators slow to roll out LTE

Four out of the 12 Kyrgyzstan companies with licenses for LTE or WiMAX frequencies have started work on network deployment, reports Tazabek.kg citing a report from the foundation Civil Initiative on Internet Policy. Global Asia Telecom, Sayma Telecom and Foris Telecom Kyrgyzstan are deploying LTE networks. Totel, which holds pre-Wimax frequencies, is also considering switching to a new technology for fixed wireless broadband.
Source: Telecompaper

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Orange Armenia welcomes MNP decree

The chief executive of Orange Armenia, Francis Gelibter, has reportedly welcomed the regulator, the Public Services Regulatory Commission’s (PSRC’s), decision to support a decree on mobile number portability (MNP) in the country. Under the decree accepted by the watchdog, MNP would be introduced in the east European nation from 1 January 2014 and would be free of charge to consumers. The introduction of MNP in Armenia will likely lead to a more competitive market, in turn driving down end user prices and improving the quality of mobile services provided.
Source: TeleGeography

O! launches Roaming Light service for prepaid users

Kyrgyzstan mobile operator O! has introduced the new Roaming Light service for prepaid users. As long as a customer has credit on their account, the service is accessible under on networks of Azerbaijan operator Azerfon, Estonian operator Elisa, Beeline Kazakhstan, Tele2 Kazakhstan, Russian operator Megafon, Tajikistan operator Babilon-Mobile and Turkish operator Turkcell.
Source: Telecompaper

Qualcomm seeks differentiation with high-end chipsets

Qualcomm would use its own central processing units in its high-end quad-core chipsets for smartphones to differentiate itself from its rivals’ quad-core products. For chipsets used in entry-level smartphones, or handsets with a price tag of below 1,000 yuan (US$160), Qualcomm said it would use licensed microprocessors from other companies, such as ARM Holdings PLC. Qualcomm’s comments came after Taiwanese chip designer MediaTekInc, its biggest rival in China, unveiled its quad-core chipsets for smartphones and tablets on Wednesday. MediaTek expects customers to launch smartphones using its quad-core chipsets next quarter.
Source:taipeitimes.com

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Azerbaijan to consider issue of lowering tariffs for telecom operator’s services to providers

Azerbaijan is expected to reduce tariffs for telecommunication services rendered to providers by telecommunications operators. Azerbaijan Internet Society’s head GalibGurbanov informs that the issue will be discussed at the upcoming meeting with providers in the Ministry of Communications & IT.
“In the meeting it will be discussed the issue of reduction of telecom operators’ tariffs for the ports connecting to the Internet for providers. This meeting will be held probably earlier next year within the presidential order on fastening of creation of broadband infrastructure for development of e-services,” he noted.
Source: abc.az

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MTS in talks to relaunch in Uzbekistan

MTS expects to resolve its dispute with Uzbek authorities over the closure of its MTS Uzbekistan unit early this year. MTS Uzbekistan had its license revoked by Tashkent courts in July this year after the company was accused of a raft of violations, including regulatory infractions, tax evasion and money laundering. In September, the courts ordered the seizure of MTSUzbekistan’s assets, apparently confirming suspicions that the affair was an orchestrated effort to take control of the cellco. In November, however, the order to confiscate the assets was rescinded, and a fine of USD600million issued instead. The chairman of parent company AFK Sistema, Vladimir Yevtushenkov, said on the recent talks regarding relaunching services in Uzbekistan: ‘A regular negotiations process is going on which, it looks like, may spread into the beginning of [2013]. You cannot enter the same river twice. Most likely the conditions will not be the same, but how it will be in reality it is hard to say.’
Source: Dow Jones Newswires

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Azerbaijan hopes that Dubai summit to create basis for reduction of roaming tariffs

The Ministry of Communications & IT pins great hopes for the adoption of a new international document to regulate the sector of telecommunications and information technologies. Communications & IT Minister Ali Abbasov informs that the adoption of the new draft regulation of telecommunications services within the international summit on telecommunications, held in Dubai, will enable to resolve a number of accumulated problems. “The most important issues to be considered at the summit are freedom of speech on the Internet, Internet governance, the problems in TV and radio network, in particular issues related to the regulation of air space, as well as issues of international roaming tariffs”.
According to Abbasov, the issues of Internet governance, freedom of the Internet, regulation of broadcasting and the issue of respect for the integrity of the state in the provision of international telecommunications services are of great interest for Azerbaijan.
Source: abc.az

VivaCell sees Q3 profit slip

Armenian mobile operator VivaCell-MTS saw its third quarter revenues grow to AMD 21.75 billion from AMD 20.73 billion a year earlier. Voice revenues totalled AMD 12.37 billion, up slightly from AMD 12.32 billion last year, and data revenues increased to AMD 1.54 billion from AMD 1.39 billion in Q3 2011. VAS revenues stood at AMD 703.71 million, down from AMD 893.73 million. OIBDA went up to AMD 12.46 billion from AMD 11.88 billion and VivaCell posted a third quarter profit of AMD 3.49 billion, down from AMD 4.64 billion a year earlier. The operator’s subscriber base totalled 1.96 million, up from 1.92 million in Q3 2011, and ARPU increased to AMD 3,634 from AMD 3,466.
Source: Telecompaper

Qualcomm Atheros Introduces Industry’s Smallest NFC Chip

Qualcomm has introduced QCA1990 new ultra-low power near field communication (NFC) solution that will enable mobile devices with contactless communications and data exchange, including next-generation mobile payments. The QCA1990 is the industry’s smallest, ultra-low power system-on-chip (SoC) with an overall footprint that is 50% smaller than current NFC chips available in the market. When paired with Qualcomm Atheros’ WCN3680 1-stream, dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi/Bluetooth 4.0/FM chip, the QCA1990 will enable seamless user experiences in the mobile, computing and consumer electronics markets. The QCA1990 offers platform-level integration with the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 and next-generation processors and modems to seamlessly enable NFC on Qualcomm’s OEM partner smartphones and tablets. The QCA1990 software stack complies with the NFC forum controller interface (NCI) and is fully integrated to enable faster time-to-market for customers. Its state-of-the-art radio frequency (RF) performance exceeds requirements established by EMVCo and the NFC Forum. With supported antenna form factors that are eight times smaller than current market offerings, QCA1990 offers significant cost savings for OEMs to integrate NFC at a significantly lower price point.
Source: Telecompaper

China Mobile to sell 55 mln 3G handsets this year

China Mobile expects to sell some 55 million 3G handsets this year. As of October, the operator sold 41.59 million TD-SCDMA handsets and China Mobile attracted 79.3 million 3G customers during the period, the China Daily writes. About 300 mobile phone makers have developed mobile devices for China Mobile’s 3G network.
Source: Telecom paper

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Qualcomm Pumps $120 Million into Display Joint Venture with Japan’s Sharp

Qualcomm is buying a stake in the struggling Japanese electronics manufacturer, Sharp for US$120 million, and setting up a joint-venture for the production of display screens. The equity investment by Qualcomm will take place in stages and the consummation of the transaction is subject to certain contingencies. Qualcomm said that its equity investment in Sharp and the expanded joint development agreement build upon the existing work between Sharp and Qualcomm’s subsidiary company, Pixtronix as the two companies have been engaged in development activities for the last year and a half. MEMS display to be developed jointly by the two companies is a display using ultrafine process technology and existing display manufacturing infrastructure with features including high color reproducibility and low-power consumption. The development for commercialization of MEMS display will be achieved by integrating Sharp’s core display technology, IGZO and MEMS display technology of Pixtronix.
Source: cellular news

Tecno targets young consumers with dual-Sim 3G Smartphone

New Android Smartphone with dual Sim N3, launched in Nigerian market. Young people are targeted for social networking and entertainment. Done by the partnership of Airtel Nigeria, QUALCOMM, and Spinlet for market development. Qualcomm provided its Snapdragon MSM7225A.
Source: Telecom Paper

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Qualcomm Atheros Switches Aimed at Small Businesses

Qualcomm announced the release of the QCA871x series of high port-count Gigabit Ethernet switch solutions aimed at small and midsize businesses along with the QCA851x series of high port-count wired solutions, both designed to enable automated, end-to-end switch and access point solutions for cloud management. The QCA871x/QCA851x switch series offers rich managed Layer 2/Layer 3 (L2/L3) features and integrates wireless controller functions into the switch silicon, enabling the solution to process and forward both wired Ethernet 802.3 and Wi-Fi 802.11 packets simultaneously at wire speed.
Source: Eweek

Turkey 59% percent of mobile phone subscribers use 3G connection

59% of mobile phone subscriber use 3G connections round about 40 million. Whereas total number of subscribers are 67.2 million. Turkey retains top position in Europe with 299 minutes of average monthly mobile phone conversation in the third quarter of the year.
Source:Balkans.com

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Qualcomm and Ericsson Test Software Upgrades to Improve Smartphone Performance

A method of improving how smartphones deal with high levels of tiny amounts of data such as push notifications and social media updates has been tested by Ericsson and Qualcomm. The two companies say that they have successfully concluded the world’s first network integration with chipsets for 3GPP standard features HS FACH, E-FACH and UE DRX. These three features will help operators to reduce signaling in their networks, lower power consumption in devices and give an improved user experience. When these features become commercially available in the coming months in QTI chipsets, operator networks will start to realize signaling load reduction and smartphone users will start to realize increased battery life. The solution will enable consumers to experience a 2-4 times faster response time as compared to today’s smartphone performance.
Source: Cellular-News

Wi-tribe Philippines launches Instanet modem

New modem known as 4G Instanet introduced by the Philippine “Wi tribe”. Wi-tribe Pure 4G Prepaid internet is the 1st and only Prepaid internet service that is truly designed to fulfill all demands of consumers. The price to have this service is PHP 1,298, with offer to use internet for 15 days without any charges.2 Mbps of speed.
Source: Telecompaper

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Swisscom launches LTE in SWITZERLAND

Switzerland’s Swisscom has launched its LTE network, with coverage in 26 locations. The new network will cover 70 percent of the population by the end of 2013. The launch follows a LTE pilot project in seven tourist regions and the cities of Berne and Zurich. Frequencies of 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2600 MHz are used to transmit the LTE signal. The company said that it will invest around CHF 1.5 billion (US$1.6 billion) in the expansion of its mobile network by 2016.The Swisscom 4G/LTE network will be able to provide theoretical peak rate speeds of up to 150 Mbps during phase one and reach up to 300 Mbps at a later date.
Source: Cellular News

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Orange Dominicana’sLTE network still suspended

The Dominican Republic’s telecoms regulator Indotel has upheld a suspension of the 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless service offered by cellular operator Orange Dominicana. The regulator was happy with the level of service being offered over the LTE network, but it is maintaining the suspension of services because the operator failed to carry out the necessary technical studies before launching a commercial service earlier this year. The 4G network was unveiled in July this year, but has been out of action since mid-August. Orange has said that it is working with authorities to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
Source: TeleGeography

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Qualcomm and Ericsson Test Software Upgrades to Improve Smartphone Performance

China Mobile picks Sequans to power devices for TD-LTE trial

China Mobile has selected 4G chipmaker Sequans Communications to power a significant portion of the LTE devices to be used in the next phase of China Mobile’s large-scale trial of TD-LTE technology. Two of Sequans’ device manufacturer partners, Nationz and Primemobi, were awarded portions of the contract. Sequans has been developing TD-LTE chips for more than two years and has provided technology to China Mobile since the operator’s first public demonstration of a TD-LTE network in 2010 and for both phases of its commercial trial that began in 2011.
Source: Telecompaper

CDMA Ukraine switches subscribers to Intertelecom

CDMA Ukraine switched its subscribers to another mobile operator known as Intertelecom. In order to have setting for the new operator customers should visit there shops and outlets.
Source: cellular news.

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Qualcomm Rides Wireless Wave to Take Third Place in 2012 Semiconductor Market

Qualcomm is set to end 2012 with a stunning 27.2 percent growth in semiconductor revenue, according to preliminary results from IHS iSuppli. This represents the highest rate of growth of any Top 10 or even any Top 20 semiconductor supplier. The nearly 30 percent increase in revenue will cause Qualcomm’s share of the market to climb by a full percentage point to 4.3 percent. More significantly, it will allow Qualcomm to rise three positions and take third place in the global semiconductor business-the first time it has reached such an elevated rank. The company’s rise in the rankings is part of long-term trend that reflects the growing importance of the wireless market in the electronics supply chain.
Source: Telecompaper

Taiwan Outlines Initial Details of 4G License Auction

NCC Taiwan operator set spectrum for its forthcoming 4G license auction, going to be set at 15MHz multiplied by two.4 license, each with 17 years. Although operators will be required to bid for between 15Mhz and 35Mhz in the auction, they will be able to later sell blocks of 5Mhz to other operators.
Source: Cellular news

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HSPA/LTE Accounts for 21.8 Percent of All PC Broadband Connections in Europe

According to a new research report from the analyst firm Berg Insight, HSPA/LTE accounted for 21.8 percent of the total number of broadband connections in Europe at the end of 2011. The number of HSPA/LTE mobile broadband subscribers (connected PCs and tablets) grew by 12.4 percent year-over-year in 2011 to reach 38.1 million and is forecasted to continue to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7 percent to 70 million by 2017. The North American market grew by 47 percent to reach 21.4 million subscribers by the end of 2011, primarily driven by the rapid adoption of tablet data plans. Mobile broadband now accounts for 18.1 percent of the total number of broadband connections in the region. Between 2011 and 2017, the North American market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 16.3 percent to reach 53 million subscribers at the end of the period.
Source: Cellular News

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AT&T PR covers three new areas with LTE

AT&T Puerto Rico has expanded its commercial 4G LTE mobile network to three additional areas of the island, serving new customers in Guayama, San German–CaboRojo and Yauco. TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database says that AT&T was the first in Puerto Rico to switch on its LTE network in November 2011, initially covering San Juan, and by September 2012 it had covered over 35% of the population.
Source: TeleGeography

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Optus planning to deploy TD-LTE infrastructure in Canberra next year

Australian mobile network operator Optus aims to launch a Time Division Duplex Long Term Evolution (TD-LTE) network in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) in the early part of next year, ZDNet Australia reports. With the operator expected to close down the network of vivid wireless which it acquired earlier this year in February 2013, it is understood that it plans to use the 98MHz of spectrum in the 2.3GHz band which will be freed up as a result of such a development. The TD-LTE network deployment is expected to complement Optus’s existing 4G rollout, which it is carrying out using the 1800MHz band. With that network still being constructed, the report also notes that Optus expects to extend its 1800MHz LTE footprint to Adelaide in the first half of next year, while in Brisbane (where 4G was launched in October 2012) it plans to boost the number of sites from 50 to 100 by the end of 2013.
Source: TeleGeography

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Telecom to begin LTE trial in Auckland, Wellington

Telecom New Zealand will begin a trial of LTE technology will go live in parts of Wellington and Auckland from 7 December. The first phase of the trial will run from December until mid-February and will focus on testing how the network performs in a New Zealand environment in a series of situations. The second phase – which involves customer trials – will then begin in mid-February and run until the end of March. Telecom is aiming to launch the new network late in 2013/early in 2014. The Auckland trial will take place in parts of the North Shore on the 2600 MHz spectrum and will be conducted by Huawei Technologies. Alcatel-Lucent will run the trial in the Lower Hutt area of Wellington, also on the 2600 MHz spectrum.
Source: Telecom paper

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Optus to launch LTE in Adelaide, Canberra early next year

Australian telecommunications carrier Optus plans to launch LTE services in Adelaid and Canberra early next year as well as enhancing its 3G network. Optus has already launched LTE services in Sydney, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, and parts of Brisbane. Brisbane currently counts 50 LTE sites, which will be increased to 100 next year and the LTE rollout will be accelerated to launch in Adelaid in H1, Computerworld reports citing Optus managing director of networks, Guenther Ottendorfer. Furthermore, in March or April, LTE will be launched in Canberra as well. The network will use TD-LTE technology as the company does not have enough spectrum there to support the FD-LTE technology used for the rest of its 4G network. The operator is also upgrading its 3G network with HSPA+ technology and has already upgraded over 3,000 sites.
Source: Telecom paper

Turkcell Tests Mobile Tickets Service for Football Matches

Turkcell has announced the successful completion of three m-ticketing trials for the Turkish Football Federation (TFF). More than 2,000 football match ticket transactions were processed using Turkcell’s Smart Ticket application, whose payment is powered by Onebip. The m-ticketing trial enabled football fans to purchase their match tickets via mobile. Turkcell collaborated with TFF to run trials for three international football matches from September to November – including Turkey vs. Estonia, Turkey vs. Romania and Turkey vs. Denmark.
Source: cellular news

MTN LTE network now up and running in Pretoria, Durban, Jo’burg

MTN South Africa’s Long Term Evolution (LTE) network went live on Saturday 1 December. The initial rollout covers the following areas: Menlyn, Centurion, Pretoria East, Hatfield and Midrand (all Pretoria); Sandton, Rosebank, Fourways, Roodepoort, Fairlands, and OR Tambo International Airport (all Johannesburg); Westville, Pinetown, Kloof, Hillcrest, Tongaat, Queensburgh, Amanzimtoti King Shaka International Airport and Umhlanga (all Durban). MTN has reportedly deployed a total of 1,600 base stations across the three cities.
Source: TeleGeography

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China Mobile launches TD-LTE network on high-speed train

China Mobile has established a TD-LTE network on high-speed trains. The mobile network covers the 60 kilometre long Jiaxing section of the Shanghai to Hangzhou railway and the network offers download speeds of up to 15 Mbps. The network features 18 base stations and supports services on trains going more than 300 kph.
Source: China Daily

Smart launches 2 LTE smartphones

Philippine mobile operator Smart Communications has introduced two LTE smartphones: the Sony Xperia V and the ZTE T82. The smartphones will come free with LTE Plan 1500, bundled with unlimited data, 120 SMS, and sixty call minutes. The Sony Xperia V is powered by a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor, runs on Android 4.0, and features a 4.3-inch HD display and 13 megapixel camera. The The ZTE T82 runs on a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor and also comes with a 4.3-inch HD display, and an 8-megapixel camera. Smart launched its LTE service on 25 August, offering data services of up to 42 Mbps on dongles or pocket Wi-Fi. Voice services followed a month later.
Source: Telecompaper

MHealth device shipments to top 30 mln in 2012

New devices leveraging improved connectivity to mobile handsets have fueled strong growth for wearable wireless mHealth devices in 2012. By end-2012, nearly 30 million devices will have shipped, up 37 percent on 2011 shipments. The report further shows that the inclusion of Bluetooth Smart Ready connectivity in many smartphones including Apple’s iPhone and Samsung’s Galaxy III, is driving a new wave of interest and investment in the capabilities of wearable sensoring devices. Between 2011 and 2017 the market for these devices is forecast to grow at a CAGR of nearly 40 percent.
Source: Telecompaper

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Malaysia Awards 4G Licenses to Eight Mobile Networks

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) have awarded radio spectrum to eight companies to provide LTE services in the 2.6 GHz spectrum bands. The eight companies are, in alphabetical order, Celcom Axiata, DiGi Telecommunications, Maxis, Packet One Networks, PuncakSemangat, REDtone Marketing, U Mobile and YTL Communications. Existing service providers may use the 2600 MHz allocation to further expand and enhance the capacity of their mobile broadband networks to meet increasing consumer demands whilst the introduction of a new player is expected to bring fresh ideas and innovation to the market.
Source: Telecom news

Telenor Norway opens 4G access to mobile handset users

Telenor Norge claims it has become the country’s first operator to enable access to Long Term Evolution-based (LTE-based) services via mobile phone. With access having previously been restricted to those connecting via USB dongle, the operator has confirmed that from yesterday customers with 4G-compatible mobile handsets will be able to utilise its LTE network. It notes that it has put in place an ‘automatic solution’ which provides voice access over Telenor’s 3G network, while customers are transferred to the LTE infrastructure where it is available for web surfing and internet access. Alongside this development, Telenor has also named a number of new locations which it plans to extend 4G coverage to by Christmas, with those being: Drammen, Fredrikstad, Sarpsborg, Skien, Porsgrunn and Kristiansand. Looking further ahead, the 4G footprint is expected to expand further in the New Year, with Telenor naming Tromso as another location where the network will be switched on at that date.
Source: TeleGeography

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Wataniya Telecom prepares for 4G network launch

Kuwaiti operator Wataniya Telecom is to launch 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) services in the first half of 2013. According to a report from Dow Jones, which cites Kuwaiti newspaper Al Rai, Wataniya intends to begin 4G trials later this month, with a commercial launch to follow within the next six months. Both of Wataniya’s domestic wireless rivals Zain and Viva have already introduced commercial 4G-based offerings. Separately, Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani, chairman of both Wataniya and its parent company Qatar Telecom (Qtel), has confirmed that the company is ready to list its shares on the Kuwaiti stock exchange. In October 2012 Qtel raised its stake in Wataniya from 52.5% to 92.1%, via a share tender offer launched on 4 September 2012.
Source: TeleGeography

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Japan Communications unveils new 4G Wi-Fi router

The Japanese mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) Japan Communications Inc (JCI) has launched a new 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Wi-Fi router. The new router costs JPY2,980 (USD36.16) a month and includes 2GB of data usage. It can handle up to ten simultaneous Wi-Fi connections. Earlier this week, JCI, which operates under the ‘b-mobile’ banner, filed a complaint with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) over the fees charged by its wholesale provider NTT DoCoMo for access to data services. JCI has complained that DoCoMo is charging up to three times the fees that other operators are asking. DoCoMo has responded by claiming that its fees are calculated within guidelines set down by the MIC.
Source: TeleGeography

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Jordan set to auction 4G licenses in new year, opens sector to new entrants

Jordan’s Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) has announced that it will auction frequencies in the 1800MHz, 2100MHz, 2300MHz and 2600MHz bands, inviting expressions of interest by 17 January 2013. The tender is open to potential new market entrants as well as existing operators, though the regulator stipulated that there was an opportunity for just a single new mobile operator and one broadband fixed wireless access (BFWA) provider. The services allowed through each spectrum band and reserve price are as follows: 1800MHz range 2G, 3G, and 4G with a price of JOD32.5 million (USD45.6 million) per block of spectrum (2×5MHz); 2100MHz 3G only and priced at JOD25 million per block (2×5MHz); 2300MHz for BFWA at JOD2 million for a 5MHz block; 2300MHz for 4G at JOD10.8 million for a 5MHz block and; 2600MHz – 4G with a price tag of JOD18.75 million for each block of spectrum (2×5MHz).
Source: TeleGeography

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Menatelecom investing in nationwide LTE rollout

Bahraini WiMAX-based broadband operator Menatelecom’s board of directors has approved a planned investment in a nationwide Long Term Evolution (LTE) network. Menatelecom’s chairman Abdul RazakJawahery, quoted by AmeInfo, announced that the company would ‘shortly’ finalize its choice of technology vendor for the LTE network, which would allow it to ‘provide both consumers and enterprise customers the fastest mobile broadband speeds ever experienced in the Kingdom of Bahrain at over 80Mbps’ as well as ‘superior voice services across the Kingdom’.
Source: TeleGeography

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Vivo selects Ericsson and Huawei for LTE rollout

Brazilian operator Telefonica (Vivo), part of the Telefonica Group, has selected Huawei Technologies and Ericsson of Sweden as key vendors for the rollout of its 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network in Brazil. Under the plan, the Swedish manufacturer will be responsible for the core 4G network and the access network in the north and mid-west, and the states of Sao Paulo, Minas Gerais and Bahia. Meanwhile, its Chinese counterpart will provide infrastructure in the cities of Fortaleza, Recife and Rio de Janeiro, as well as the south and northeast (excepting Bahia) and the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Source: TeleGeography

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Telecom New Zealand outlines LTE trial plans

Telecom New Zealand (Telecom) has revealed that it will launch trials of Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology in parts of Wellington and Auckland. French-US vendor Alcatel-Lucent will reportedly conduct the test which will take place in the Lower Hutt area of Wellington using spectrum in the 2600MHz band. Meanwhile, China’s Huawei Technologies has been called on to carry out a separate pilot – again using 2600MHz frequencies in parts of the North Shore in Auckland. Both of the trial regions, Telecom has noted, cover ‘residential and light industrial property, a section of motorway and SMEs’, a fact which it claims will allow it to test the technology and customer experience in a variety of contexts.
Source: TeleGeography

3G/4G market share will grow to 100% in Australia in 2016

3G/4G will have a market share of 100 percent in Australia in 2016 from 3G’s share of 70 percent in 2012. The substantial growth will create opportunities to offer new services as evidenced by operators like Telstra and Vodafone already focused on promoting new services including content, M2M etc.
4G speeds will improve user experience of wireless broadband; Telstra has already launched its 4G services whilst Optus has launched its LTE services. Opportunities abound in the data intensive applications for consumer value added services in new areas such as content aggregation, safety/security, video, mobile, online games, M2M and mobile healthcare, stated Milroy.
Tough the heaviest users of mobile services use an iPhone, and Apple is the leading platform by value, Android is the leading mobile OS; low priced Android handsets by Samsung & other players have made Android successful in Australia.
Source: Telecom lead

Telecom New Zealand Starts LTE Trials

Telecom New Zealand started trials of its LTE network in parts of Wellington and Auckland last week. The Auckland trial will take place in parts of the North Shore on the 2600MHz spectrum and will be conducted by Huawei. Meanwhile, Alcatel-Lucent will run the trial in the Lower Hutt area of Wellington, also on the 2600MHz spectrum. Telecom is also planning two smaller trials of LTE outside of the main centers. Alcatel-Lucent will conduct a trial on behalf of Telecom in a rural part of southern Hawke’s Bay on the 700MHz spectrum (which will become available after the switch over to digital television) and Huawei will trial at 1800MHz and 2600MHz frequencies in a small area of Rotorua. Telecom also announced that it had selected Ericsson to supply equipment for the Home Location Register (HLR) combined with the Home Subscriber Service (HSS) a core part of both the existing 3G and new 4G LTE network.
Source: Cellular News

T-Mobile’s LTE network boasts 99% coverage in Budapest

T-Mobile Hungary 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile network is now available to 99% (outdoor coverage) of the residents of Budapest; indoor coverage has increased to 83%. Further, the LTE has been rolled out to over 60 towns and cities across the country, boosting 4G/LTE coverage to almost 27% of the population. The cellco also reports that it is now offering 4G-enabled smartphones for T-Mobile customers in the country and that from 1 January 2013 it will revamp its mobile internet packages to reflect the increased availability of ultra-high speed mobile broadband in Hungary. In terms of new handsets, the firm is foregrounding the Nokia 820 LTE, Nokia 920 LTE, Samsung SIII LTE and Samsung Note II LTE handsets in its Christmas range of offers.
Source: TeleGeography

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MTN plots 3G launch in Abidjan, ten other cities

MTN Cote d’Ivoire is poised to inaugurate its long-awaited 3G network in the capital of Abidjan, with plans to extend mobile broadband services to the country’s ‘top ten cities’ in due course. The cellco, which was awarded a 3G licence by L’Agence des Telecommunications de Cote d’Ivoire (ATCI) in March this year, for XOF6 billion (USD11.9 million), is confident that it can attract between 100,000 and 200,000 new subscribers on a daily basis. 2G market leaderMTN is keen to gain ground on chief rival Orange Cote d’Ivoire, which launched its 3G network in April 2012 in Abidjan, San Pedro, Bouake, Daloa and Yamoussoukro. As such, MTN has entered into dialogue with Chinese handset suppliers such as ZTE and Huawei to supply it with 3G-suitable devices in the XOF100,000 price range.
Source: AgenceEcofin

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China Mobile selects Altair chipsets to power LTE devices

Altair Semiconductor’s FourGee-3100/6202 chipset has been selected by China Mobile to power LTE devices from OEMs to be used in the next phase of China Mobile’s trial of TD-LTE technology in China. The selection of Altair by China Mobile follows a qualification process, including interoperability, lab and field testing conducted by China Mobile and China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). Products based on Altair’s technology which have been selected by China Mobile include mobile routers and fixed CPE devices. China Mobile has spearheaded the introduction of TD-LTE technology and has plans to deploy 20,000 TD-LTE base stations in 2013 as well as extend its network to thirteen cities in China.
Source: Telecompaper

H3G UK selects Huawei for core network management

Huawei has been selected by the UK cellco Hutchison 3G UK (H3G UK), which offers services under the ‘Three’ banner, to manage its core network. According to the Financial Times, the contract between the two companies is estimated to be worth around GBP120 million (USD192 million) over its five-year duration. Under the terms of the deal it is understood that Huawei will deliver service management and operations for H3G UK’s core network, as well as for the cellco’s transport network and information and communication technology applications. With the contract for the management of H3G UK’s core network having previously been held by Sweden’s Ericsson, the new agreement with Huawei will reportedly see a number of staff transferred from Ericsson UK to work for Huawei’s managed services business. Further, the report claims that H3G UK will take on some of the network management itself, a factor which is believed to have reduced the value of the contract awarded to Huawei when compared to the previous deal with Ericsson.
Source: TeleGeography

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South Korean cellcos look to deploy LTE on the Liancourt Rocks

South Korea’s three mobile network operators have reportedly submitted an application to set up a mobile base station on the Liancourt Rocks, with a view to providing Long Term Evolution (LTE) services on the disputed islets. According to the Chosun Ilbo, SK Telecom, KT Corp and LG Uplus have set out plans to utilise a pylon and microwave equipment that has already been constructed in the area by KT, with all three agreeing to share the infrastructure in order to limit environmental impact. Commercial 4G services are now expected to launch in February 2013, with the report citing an official at the Cultural Heritage Administration.
Source: TeleGeography

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China Mobile Hong Kong launches carrier-independent mobile TV network

China Mobile Hong Kong has launched mobile television broadcasting services under the ‘UTV’ brand, based on the China Mobile Multimedia Broadcasting (CMMB) technology platform, accessible to all Hong Kong cellular users regardless of their mobile network provider. The cellco is offering eight TV channels initially, two of which are free to view, with monthly packages costing HKD58 (USD7.50) per month. Smartphone and tablet users can access UTV via a dongle, which can also be used to watch the channels at home on a HDMI TV set, while the service attracts no data usage charges from the user’s mobile network operator. Alternatively, UTV content can be streamed over the internet via an application downloadable for Android-based phone and tablet owners, with a similar application to be made available for iPhones next year, the company revealed.
Source: TeleGeography

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T-Mobile reaches 18 major markets with HSPA+ 1900MHz

T-Mobile USA has announced the expansion of its 1900MHz HSPA+ network to three new markets, Atlanta, Seattle and Minneapolis, while it says it has expanded coverage in other recently added areas including Oakland, San Francisco and the Silicon Valley to include more surrounding cities. The 1900MHz HSPA+ network now reaches 18 major metro areas, following the expansion to a dozen additional metro areas last month, and T-Mobile adds that it is working on upgrades in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, and San Diego, while it expects to cover 100 million people with the enhanced mobile broadband network by the end of this year.
Source: TeleGeography

Mobitel introduces DC-HSPA+ technology

Sri Lankan mobile operator Mobitel has introduced Dual Carrier HSPA+ (DC-HSPA+) technology to be able to offer theoretical speeds of up to 42 Mbps. Recently, Mobitel embarked on a network expansion drive, signing deals with ZTE and Huawei Technologies. These network enhancements will include over o1,700 2G/3G (HSPA+) and LTE base stations across the country.
Source: Telecompaper

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SK Telecom targets 14 mln LTE subs next year

Korean communications provider SK Telecom has seen its LTE subscriber base exceed 7 million on 12 December, achieving its 2012 target for LTE subscribers. The company launched LTE services in July 2011. The LTE subscribers make up 26 percent of SK Telecom’s total mobile subscriber base, the Korea IT Times reports. The company said that LTE uptake was boosted by the launch of the Apple iPhone 5 and that it signs-up 60,000 customers per day on average. The company expects to end the year with 7.4 million LTE subscribers and expects to double the base to 14 million before the end of next year.
Source: Telecom paper

Airtel Nigeria Completes LTE Trials in Lagos

Airtel Nigeria has completed its LTE trial in Lagos, the commercial nerve center of Nigeria. Airtel says it is now ready for test in the other major cities across the country including Abuja and Port Harcourt. The company added that the LTE download speed, under ideal conditions was 37 Mbps, while under non ideal conditions, was 32 Mbps; Upload speed was – 10.6 Mbps. Speaking on the success of the trial, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, RajanSwaroop said Airtel is committed to strengthening its position as a true pioneer of innovation in the Nigerian telecommunications domain, saying this is in line with its overall corporate vision of becoming the most loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians.
Source: Telecompaper

UK Network Outlines LTE Expansion Plans

UK based mobile network operator, EE is expanding its 1800Mhz based LTE service to a further 17 towns and cities across the country by March 2013. In addition, the network density is being increased in existing 4G launch cities. 4G was switched on in three more towns, and four more will be switched on before the end of 2012. This brings the total of 4G launches in 2012 to 18, ahead of the schedule of 16 towns/cities. Network density is being increased on a daily basis by enabling LTE on an increasing number of masts. The EE network’s mobile backhaul is also being updated to support superfast speeds. 3G and 4G masts across the UK are being connected with Gigabit Ethernet capacity to deliver the highest standard of mobile backhaul.
Source: Cellular news

Orange Romania launches LTE in Bucharest

Orange Romania has inaugurated commercial Long Term Evolution (LTE) services in the capital Bucharest, with the cellco noting that at launch customers in areas including the central and northern area of the city, and the tourist regions of Prahova Valley, Bran-Moieciu and Poiana Brasov could access the superfast mobile broadband service. With the cellco noting that its new network offers downlink speeds of up to 75Mbps and upload speeds of up to 37.5Mbps, it has also revealed that customers signing up for any of its new 4G tariffs on a two-year contract will have no data usage caps for the first six months. Initially, those customers looking to take up the cellco’s 4G offering will only be offered a USB modem or tablet, although Orange Romania noted that it expects to introduce a smartphone option soon. For now, the two devices on offer are the Orange HuaweiE392 modem, which is offered free with any LTE tariff, while the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 4G tablet price starts at EUR309 (USD403), dependent on the plan taken.
Source: TeleGeography

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China Telecom launches pre-paid 3G cards

Chinese CDMA-based wireless provider China Telecom has introduced pre-paid vouchers for 3G services, offering customers a cheap, flexible alternative to its existing data plans. The vouchers are available in denominations of 60MB, 150MB or 300MB, the smallest of which costs CNY10 (USD1.59). A spokesperson for the operator noted that data use per subscriber in October 2012 was 130% higher than twelve months earlier, adding: ‘Data traffic management is a very important task for telecom carriers, especially when they enter the mobile internet age.’
Source: China Daily

Telia launches Play+ TV, movie service on smartphones, tablets

Telia, part of the TeliaSonera group offering its Swedish mobile subscribers it’s ‘Telia Play+’ multi-screen TV and movie-on-demand service on smartphones and tablets as well as on TV sets and computers. Telia Play+ can be purchased as a supplement to the IPTV-based Telia Digital TV or as a standalone service, offering over 30 TV channels, a video store initially with over 2,500 movies and a software library with over 20 additional services. The mobile service is being launched on devices running the Apple operating system IOS, including the iPhone and iPad, but in January 2013 it will also be made available for Android-based devices.
Source: TeleGeography

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Vimpelcom signs LTE MVNO contract with Yota

Russian mobile operator Vimpelcom (Beeline) has completed negotiating a contract with mobile broadband operator Scartel (Yota) for accessing Yota’s 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). Rival cellcoMegaFon already offers commercial LTE MVNO services over the network of Yota, which has also reportedly forged an MVNO agreement with the other of the ‘big three’ Russian mobile operators, MTS. CommsUpdate reported in September that Vimpelcom had received approval for the LTE MVNO tie-up with Yota, which this week also announced that it will be launching its own-brand LTE smartphone.
Source: Telecompaper

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China Mobile to sell 100 mln TD-LTE user devices next year

China Mobile targets sales of TD-LTE end-user devices of 100 million units next year, with smartphones accounting for 85 percent. The company has worked to strengthen distribution channels by establishing subsidiaries in 31 provinces and through online services. China Mobile has been focusing on releasing own-brand handsets but company president Yue Li said the company does not seek to compete with handset makers. Li also noted that the current sales target could increase from 100 million units to 150-200 million units.
Source: The Digitimes

Good news for Telstra as 3G service starts early

TELSTRA mobile phone users in Warrnambool were given a more powerful 3G service was switched on from a tower at the central exchange. The equipment installed this week by technicians working on the mammoth repair effort at the fire-damaged exchange will give 60 per cent extra capacity, Telstra regional manager Bill Mundy told The Standard. About 6000 landlines to country towns, disconnected when a cable was cut near Meredith Wednesday afternoon, were restored about midnight. Mr Mundy said council workmen had severed a fibre-optic line to the South Melbourne exchange not long after the services had been diverted from Warrnambool to ease the load.
Source: standard.net

3G on Hahn Air

Hahn Air has now activated 3G (Gambia Bird), a new partner of Hahn Air. 3G is already launched for immediate sales on HR-169 stock. Gambia Bird is a Start-Up carrier from Gambia with hub in Banjul. 3G is starting their services with 2 Airbus A319. The current network contains 6 destinations in West Africa, as well as 2 transcontinental routes to London and Barcelona. More detailed information about Gambia Bird you can find on the 3G website.
Source: Telecompaper

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Sazz 4G launches seasonal promo

Azerbaijan ISP Sazz 4G has launched a seasonal promotion. New subscribers paying two months in advance are offered a USB flash drive free. The MF 10 Wi-Fi router is also offered for AZN 25 when paying three months in advance. The router is AZN 35 when paying for a month. In addition, a 20 percent discount is offered on the İX350, İX380 Wimax Wi-Fi and Wimaxion modems.
Source: Trend.az

Orange Romania to offer LTE from 2013 to iPhone 5, iPad Mini

Orange Romania’s customers who have an Apple iPhone 5 or Apple iPad Mini tablet will be able to access the operator’s recently launched LTE network from the first months of 2013. In the beginning of December, Orange Romania launched LTE mobile internet services in the central and northern area of Bucharest, the metropolitan area of northern Bucharest, holiday resorts in the Prahova Valley, in the Bran-Moieciu area and in Poiana Brasov. Initially, the service is available on modems and tablets. On the occasion of launching LTE, Orange released a special LTE offer that includes unlimited traffic and connection equipment at promotional prices.
Source: Ziarul Financiar

TIM introduces LTE in Genoa, Trento, Padua, Palermo

Telecom Italia Mobile (TIM) has reportedly launched Long Term Evolution (LTE) services in the cities of Genoa, Trento, Padua and Palermo. As previously reported by TeleGeography’s CommsUpdate, TIM – Italy’s largest cellco by subscribers – inaugurated its LTE network on 7 November, covering Milan, Turin, Rome and Naples. The 4G network is said to offer end-users data connections of up to 100Mbps/50Mbps (down/uplink).
Source: TeleGeography

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Vodafone boycotts 4G auction, Optus considering same, in protest at spectrum pricing

Vodafone Australia has decided not to bid in the 4G mobile license auction set for next April, while rival Optus is considering a similar boycott, following communications minister Stephen Conroy’s announcement of a reserve price of AUD3 billion (USD3.1 billion) for the 700MHz band spectrum, or USD1.36 per MHz per population. Vodafone indicated that if the current 700MHz auction terms stand then it would instead utilize its 1800MHz spectrum for rolling out LTE next year whilst simultaneously upgrading its 3.5G network.
Source: Telecom Asia

Ethio Telecom includes LTE in expansion contract

Ethiopian state-backed full-service operator Ethio Telecom announced that it is currently finalizing negotiations with equipment vendors for a major network expansion and upgrade contract, to support the introduction of 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology in capital Addis Ababa, 3.5G HSPA+ in ‘all big cities’, and ‘universal internet access’ in a project to be completed ‘by 2015’. Chinese vendors ZTE and Huawei were expected to sign contracts with the Ethiopian government for Ethio Telecom’s upcoming mobile expansion and modernization drive.
Source: TeleGeography

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No fanfare as Nextel launches 3G data plans in Brazil

Nextel Brasil, the Brazilian unit owned by US-based NII Holdings, has launched a range of 3G data plans in the country, without much fanfare. RCR Wireless News reports that the operator is now selling 3G data plans (modem-based), with plans to add voice call services by the start of 2013. The softly, softly approach was confirmed when the cellco posted tariff plans on its web site, confirming that a 4GB data plan will cost BRL79.90 (USD39) per month, plus BRL24.90 for the modem on a contract. Without discount the modem will costBRL150.
Source: TeleGeography

Airtel tests LTE in Lagos

Airtel Nigeria, the local mobile unit of Indian telecoms group Bharti Airtel, has completed tests of Long Term Evolution (LTE) in Lagos. The company will now move on to testing the 4G technology in other major cities across the country, including the capital Abuja and Port Harcourt. In February 2012 Airtel announced that it had boosted the maximum download speed available on its third-generation network to 42Mbps, following the implementation of Dual Carrier HSPA+ (DC-HSPA+) technology. At that date, the network was available in parts of all 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja. Airtel is Nigeria’s third largest mobile operator by subscribers, with a customer base of 21.1 million at the end of September, translating to a market share of 19.7%.
Source: The Economic Times

SKT hits target of seven million LTEsubscribers by end-2012

South Korea’s SK Telecom (SKT) has announced that it has achieved its previously set target, having surpassed seven million Long Term Evolution (LTE) subscribers. Making a direct comparison between the uptake for its 4G services compared with the uptake of its 3G option, SKT noted that it had taken it one year and five months to hit seven million LTE customers, whereas it took more than two years to sign up the same number of 3G accesses. Further, SKT also noted that LTE subscribers now represent 26% of its total mobile subscriber base, up from just 2.4% at the end of November 2011.
Source: TeleGeography

Mobitel upgrades network to DC-HSPA+

Sri Lanka’s second largest cellco by subscribers, Mobitel, says it has upgraded its network to DC-HSPA+ offering speeds of up to 42Mbps. Chinese vendors ZTE and Huawei helped deploy the upgrades. Mobitel launched its 3G network in December 2007, and since then the company has garnered approximately 650,000 3G subscribers.
Source: TeleGeography

Irwin M. Jacobs, Qualcomm Co-Founder, Named 2013 IEEE Medal of Honor Recipient

Irwin M. Jacobs, the co-founder of Qualcomm, has been named the recipient of the 2013 IEEE Medal of Honor, the IEEE’s highest award. The technology trade body said that Jacobs is being honored for leadership and fundamental contributions to digital communications and wireless technology. He oversaw Qualcomm’s innovations in CDMA wireless networks. The IEEE Medal of Honor recipient and 19 other technologists will be recognized at the IEEE Honors Ceremony on Saturday, 29 June 2013, in San Diego, USA. The IEEE Donald G. Fink and the W.R.G. Baker Award recipients will be honored among their peers at an IEEE conference in 2013.
Source: Cellular News

Emergency alert system incompatible with Telstra’s LTE

Australia’s Emergency Alert system does not yet work on Telstra’s LTE network. The system, which was developed to alert residents and visitors of disasters in their area, was upgraded recently to allow mobile operators to pinpoint the location of mobile users and determine if they are affected by nearby emergencies. However, Telstra has confirmed that the system is not yet compatible with its LTE network. Telstra is currently the only operator to provide the location service with Optus and Vodafone to join next year. The Australian Financial Review said that Telstra was developing a fix but the company could not provide a time frame.
Source: Telecompaper

FET to expand 3G network with base stations, fiber

Taiwanese communications provider Far EasTone Telecommunications (FET) plans to continue expanding its 3G network with more base stations and by expanding the fiber backhaul network. The operator now has more 3G base stations than 2G base stations and aims to have 20 percent more 3G base stations than 2G base stations next year. In addition, the company will expand its fiber-optic backhaul network to account for 95 percent of the entire backhaul network, up from 90 percent currently. FET also plans to expand its Wi-Fi network to 36,000 hotspots next year, up from 25,000 now, with a large portion to be located outdoors. With the expansion, the operator hopes to increase mobile data offloaded onto the Wi-Fi network to 10 percent from 4 percent presently.
Source: The Digitimes

Telenor’s Canal Digital offers 4G broadband to pay-TV customers

Swedish direct-to-home (DTH) satellite pay-TV provider Canal Digital, a subsidiary of Telenor Sweden, has begun reselling 4G mobile broadband services over the Long Term Evolution (LTE) network of its parent. John Nordin, managing director at Canal Digital Sweden, indicated that the move was prompted by demand for web-based ‘TV everywhere’ multi-screen services, explaining that ‘Several of the services we offer require connectivity so it feels natural to be able to offer the customer a broadband solution. We have been waiting for a wireless option with a high enough capacity, now this is a serious option.’ At the same time Telenor will directly offer Canal Digital’s DTH packages, Broadband TV News reports. Jonas Lindstrom, director of mobile services at Telenor Sweden, said of the tie-up: ‘As the 4G coverage improves it is becoming a real option for many who had previously only been able to use older broadband technologies such as ADSL. By partnering with Canal Digital, we reach out to even more potential customers and can offer them a good package with TV and broadband.’
Source: TeleGeography

Vodafone extends LTE network to six more cities

Vodafone Italy has announced that it is extending its Long Term Evolution (LTE) network to a further six cities. From 21 December customers in Bari, Genoa, Naples, Turin, Padua and Palermo will be able to connect to the 4G network. The new cities follow Milan and Rome, which have been connected since 30 October, when Vodafone became the first cellco in Italy to inaugurate its LTE network. Vodafone aims to extend the network to 20 cities by March 2013.
Source: TeleGeography

T-Mobile tests LTE-Advanced technology in Vienna

T-Mobile Austria has staged tests of the Long Term Evolution (LTE)-Advanced standard in cooperation with Huawei. The tests, which ‘merged’ frequencies in the 1800MHz and 2600MHz spectrum bands through so-called ‘carrier aggregation’, reportedly achieved a live data transmission speed of 289Mbps. ‘Even though LTE in Austria is still in its infancy, we have already started early to develop new technologies,’ commented chief technical officer Rudiger Koster.
Source: TeleGeography

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Telus expands LTE network

Telus has announced that it has expanded its LTE coverage to Hinton and Jasper in Alberta, along with Moncton in New Brunswick. The company says those connecting to the new network will achieve average download speeds of between 12Mbps and 25Mbps. Telus’s LTE network now covers 65% of the population, with the operator targeting 75% coverage by the end of 2012.
Source: TeleGeography

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FET outlines 3G, Wi-Fi expansion plans for 2013

Taiwanese mobile network operator Far EasTone Telecommunications (FET) has confirmed that it aims to continue the expansion and enhancement of its third-generation network. It is understood that the operator will continue to deploy new 3G base stations, while it also plans to expand its fiber-optic backhaul network, the report claims. FET now has more 3G base stations than 2G, and is capable of providing mobile broadband at speeds of up to 42Mbps in all metropolitan areas around the country. Looking ahead, the mobile operator is aiming to add more 3G cell sites with a view to increasing the total number deployed to some 20% higher than the number of 2G base stations it has constructed.
Source: Digitimes reports

OFCA invites participants for 2.5GHz/2.6GHz auction

Hong Kong’s Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) published an invitation to participate in the auction of 50MHz of radio spectrum in the 2.5GHz/2.6GHz band for the provision of wireless broadband services, including Long Term Evolution (LTE). OFCA said in a statement: ‘The monthly mobile data usage in Hong Kong surged to 6,347 terabytes in September 2012, which is about twice and more than four times of the mobile data usage volume recorded during the same period in 2011 and 2010 respectively. Following the release of 90MHz of radio spectrum in the 2.5GHz/2.6GHz band in 2009 [which operators utilized for 4G services], the Communications Authority (CA) will make available an additional 50MHz of radio spectrum in the same frequency band to meet the industry’s demand for additional radio spectrum for further development of the fourth generation mobile services.’
Source: OFCA

Moov gets in the 3G groove with six city launch

Moov Cote d’Ivoire, which launched its GSM-900/1800 services in July 2006, has reportedly inaugurated its 3G network in Abidjan, Grand Bassam, Assinie, Yamoussoukro, Bouake and San Pedro. According to Agence Ecofin the network is expected to be extended to Korhogo, Ferke, Daloa, Gagnoa, Divo and Abengourou in the coming weeks. Few weeks before MTN Cote d’Ivoire announced the launch of its own 3G network, covering capital city Abidjan. Both Moov and MTN are playing ‘catch-up’ to chief rival Orange Cote d’Ivoire, which launched its 3G network in April 2012 in Abidjan, San Pedro, Bouake, Daloa and Yamoussoukro.
Source: TeleGeography

Tele2 ‘first in Europe’ to test VoLTE

Sweden’s Tele2 has announced that it is the first operator in Europe to have tested voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) in a live 4G network. The company said that the tests have been conducted using technology from Mavenir Systems and Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) over Tele2’s LTE network in Sweden. VoLTE is the next generation technology for transporting voice traffic as an IP data stream in LTE. Currently, most LTE networks are solely used for data traffic whilst voice traffic is still handled in the 2G and 3G networks. Joachim Horn continued: ‘Not only does VoLTE enable superior voice and data experience simultaneously for our customers, but the technology is also more cost efficient.’
Source: TeleGeography

Telenor to launch LTE in March

Telenor Denmark has announced that it plans to launch its Long Term Evolution (LTE) network on a commercial basis in March 2013, pushed back from an initial planned switch-on of January. At launch, the mobile operator says that the 4G network will be available in 192 towns and cities, covering around 75% of the Danish population.
Source: TeleGeography

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Indonesia’s MoCI gets 3G spectrum sale process moving

Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCI) is set to start its auction of two blocks of third-generation spectrum in the 2100MHz band. The MoCI was planning to hold a tender to auction so-called ‘channel 11’ and ‘channel 12’ 3G frequencies that month. The sale of the 3G channel frequencies had initially been postponed at the end of 2011, since when it had been rescheduled no fewer than three times. The ministry is expected to set a minimum reserve fee of IDR200 billion (USD20 million) for blocks of spectrum in the channel 11 and channel 12 auction marking a hike on the previous price ofIDR160 billion-IDR175 billion; the reserve prices are, however, expected to exclude the carriers’ up-front fees and annual fee.
Source: The Jakarta Post

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Yota launches LTE in Naberezhnye-Chelny

Russian operator Scartel, working under the Yota brand, has launched its LTE network in the city of Naberezhnye-Chelny in the Tatarstan republic, reports RIA Novosti, citing the Tatarstan Information Ministry. Yota launched its LTE network in Kazan in August and plans to launch LTE in the city of Almetyevsk in the first half of next year.
Source: Telecompaper

IPhone Sales in China Leading to Huge 3G Subscription Growth

China always had a liking for Apple products, and with the new iPhone finally emerging in the country, the Cupertino-based company has revealed the major profit it made from the sales. Per reports, it has been projected that by the end of 2013, the 3G subscriptions in China will grow by a massive 325-350 million users, which is quite a big number as compared what the country currently has. Although this may seem like a huge number, it is strange that the world’s largest mobile market is still lagging behind others as far as 3G is concerned. This means that by the end of 2012, 3G subscribers will represent only about 20 percent of all of China’s wireless subscribers.
Source: Mobilenapps

STC offers Interactive TV service on iPhone, iPad

Saudi operator STC has expanded its ‘Invision’ interactive TV service offering. Customers can now access an unlimited movie experience with the VoD service from OTT “My Invision”. The new feature supports iOS applications, PCs, notepads, iPads and iPhones, and allows customers to access Hollywood and Arab movies and TV series. The Invision service allows STC customers to access high speed internet, unlimited nationwide calling in one bill, in addition to watching high-quality visual content with interactive features, including pause, rewind, record and retrieve (for up to 7 days prior). The service also includes VoD capabilities offering movies, series, educational and Islamic programs.
Source: Telecompaper

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Maxis launches LTE services in Klang Valley

Malaysian communications provider Maxis has launched LTE services in selected parts of the Klang Valley. The service provides internet speeds of up to 75 Mbps, with typical speeds of 10 to 30 Mbps. Coverage includes Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Damansara Utama, Desa Sri Hartamas, Bandar Puchong Jaya, Bandar Sunway, and Cyberjaya. Maxis said the service will be available in other areas “very soon”. Monthly broadband plans start at MYR 88.
Source: Telecompaper

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Teletalk launches 3G modem package

Bangladeshi state-owned mobile operator Teletalk has introduced a 3G modem which supports mobile internet speeds of up to 4 Mbps. The Flash device is offered with the operator’s largest data pack of 10 GB and a Sim card for BDT 2,500. The included data is valid for ten days. The mobile internet dongle can be bought with prepaid or postpaid packages. Teletalk has been offering 3G services for one and a half months and is planning to expand the service to Chittagong and Sylhet by February. The operator currently has 70,000 3G subscribers.
Source: The Daily Star

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Sonatel to trial HSPA

Sonatel, which offers mobile services in Senegal under the Orange Senegal banner, plans to trial 3.5G high speed packet access (HSPA) technology during the upcoming Touba pilgrimage, at the start of January. The trial will use 40 non-permanent HSPA-equipped base transceiver stations (BTS) in Touba, Mbacke and Diourbel to provide mobile internet access, as well as 184 BTS capable of supporting voice and SMS mobile services.
Source: TeleGeography

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Eagle set to launch DC-HSPA+ later this month

Eagle Mobile, the wireless arm of incumbent Albtelecom, has announced plans to launch 3.5G services using Dual Carrier (DC) HSPA+ technology. The service, which will provide theoretical maximum download speeds of up to 42Mbps, is expected to launch commercially later this month, initially in Tirana, but will be subsequently expanded throughout the country. Eagle participated in an auction for the sale of 3G licences in August 2012, entering a bid of just EUR355 (USD468.5) above the reserve price of EUR4 million. At the same time PLUS, the only other active cellco yet to receive a 3G concession entered a token bid of just EUR1. The two tranches of spectrum on offer were: 1950MHz-1960MHz paired with 2140MHz-2155MHz and 1910MHz-1915MHz; and 1965MHz-1980MHz paired with 2155MHz-2170MHz and 1915MHz-1920MHz.
Source: TeleGeography

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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TM Forum Management World Asia 2013

TM Forum Management World Asia 2013 event will be taking place March 12 -13, 2013, Singapore. The availability of high-speed broadband across Asia is creating opportunities for service providers to generate new revenue streams with digital services, delivering innovative products and services often through partnership. Please visit: http://www.tmforum.org/Management-World-Asia/13951/home.html
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LTE Backhaul Summit 2013

LTE Backhaul Summit 2013 is taking place on 24-26 Jun 2013 at Amsterdam RAI, Netherlands. LTE Backhaul Summit will build upon 2013’s special focus track that took place for the first time at the industry leading LTE World Summit. For details visit: backhaul.lteconference.com
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CommunicAsia2013 on 18-21 June2013 at Singapore

CommunicAsia2013 being the Asia’s largest integrated info communication technology event, is instrumental in connecting the ICT industry. Industry professionals from around the world congregate at this annual event to obtain industry updates, witness product / service launches, optimise business opportunities and gain insightful knowledge from the industry’s experts. CommunicAsia2013 is taking place on 18-21 June2013 at Singapore. For details visit: http://www.communicasia.com/
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Informa Telecoms & Media on 29th – 30th January 2013 at the Hotel Fira, Barcelona

Informa Telecoms & Media, in association with the DECT Forum, are delighted to announce the 17th annual DECT World & CAT-iq conference taking place on the 29th – 30th January 2013 at the Hotel Fira, Barcelona. For more information please visit: www.dectconference.com
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The 2nd Indian Ocean/ South Asia Mobile Payments & Banking Summit 2013

The 2nd Indian Ocean/ South Asia Mobile Payments & Banking Summit 2013 will convene at Dhaka, Bangladesh from 30 – 31 January 2013. For more information please visit: http://magenta-global.com.sg/iosamobilepayments2013/
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Understanding Modern Spectrum Management, 18-22 March 2013

Understanding Modern Spectrum Management, 18-22 March 2013, Pembroke College, Oxford. The course is aimed at people who either work for regulators or a commercial organization which needs to understand the principles of spectrum management. Please visit:http://www.policytracker.com/home/training/understanding-modern-spectrum-management/
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Caspian Telecoms Conference & Showcase

Caspian Telecoms Conference & Showcase will take place on 18-19 APRIL 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey. Caspian Telecoms Conference is the only event for the telecoms industry for Turkey, CIS, the Black Sea States and their neighboring Caspian and Central Asian regions. Please visit: http://www.caspiantelecoms.com/index.php/en/
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Mobile Commerce World China Summit 2013

Mobile Commerce World China Summit 2013 will be held on 18th-19th April, 2013 in Shanghai, China. Mobile Commerce World 2013China Summit is the only international business conference focusing on mobile commerce business in China. Please visit: http://www.cdmc.org.cn/mc/
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Phone World Magazine

CACF has launched 5th Edition of Phone World Magazine covering the devices and their ecosystem serving to bridge the gap between the OEMs, Operators, Distributors, Retailers, and the Consumers. Phone World 5th Edition is available in Pakistani markets. Pdf is available on www.phoneworld.com.pk . PhoneWorld website has latest local telecom news, handsets and also has blog section. For subscription email to: info@phoneworld.com.pk
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3G DEVICE SECTION

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[columns indent=”25″ bottom=”25″] [column]
[/column] [column] Name Nokia Lumia 505
GENERAL
2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network HSDPA 850 / 1900
DATAGPRS/EDGE/Speed/WLAN/BLUE TOOTH/ USB/
Operating System Microsoft Windows Phone 7.8
Sesors Accelerometer, proximity

[/column] [column]
[/column] [column] Name Sony Xperia Z
GENERAL
2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
DATAGPRS/EDGE/Speed/WLAN/BLUE TOOTH/ USB/
Operating System Android OS, v4.1.2 (Jelly Bean), planned upgrade to v4.2 (Jelly Bean)
Chipset Qualcomm MDM9215M / APQ8064
[/column] [/columns]

[columns indent=”25″ bottom=”25″] [column]
[/column] [column] Name Samsung Galaxy Grand I9082
GENERAL
2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 – SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G Network HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 – SIM 1 only
HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 – SIM 1 only
DATAGPRS/EDGE/Speed/WLAN/BLUE TOOTH/ USB/
Operating System Android OS, v4.1.2 (Jelly Bean)
Sensors Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

[/column] [column]
[/column] [column] Name Motorola RAZR i XT890
GENERAL
2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
DATAGPRS/EDGE/Speed/WLAN/BLUE TOOTH/ USB/
Operating System Android OS, v4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich), upgradable to v4.1 (Jelly Bean)
Chipset Intel Atom Z2460
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VENDORS/OEM SECTION

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Ericsson and Qualcomm Test Software Upgrades to Improve Smartphone Performance

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Nokia Siemens Networks Jumps Up the LTE Infrastructure Sales Rankings

From the year-ago 3rd quarter, global LTE infrastructure sales are up 131%.¬Nokia Siemens Networks jumped from 4th to 2nd in the LTE equipment market after more than doubling its LTE revenue in 3Q12, significantly closing the gap with market leader Ericsson and passing Alcatel-Lucent and Huawei. Infonetics forecasts LTE subscribers to grow nearly 5-fold to top 51 million worldwide in 2012. Finally, the WiMAX ecosystem is shrinking, with fewer vendors continuing to support the technology as they stake their long-term futures on LTE.
Source: cellular news

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ZTE launched world’s smallest dongle

Smallest dongle MF823 data card and 13mm thick. Uses a third less power. This dongle will support, LTE-FDD, UMTS-HSPA+ and GPRS/GSM, with download and upload speeds for LTE at 100Mbps and 50Mbps respectively. It is launched in Kazakhstan, will launch soon in Europe and Asia-Pacific countries.
Source: techworld.com

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Huawei Announces EUR70 Million Investment in R&D in Finland

¬Huawei planning to invest EUR70 million over a five-year period to establish a research and development (R&D) center in Helsinki, Finland. Initial projects will focus on software development for smartphones, tablets and rich-media devices, optimizing the user experience of existing operating systems such as Android and Windows Phone 8. From the outset, Huawei plans to recruit 30 employees for the center, with the goal of hiring more than 100 employees over five years. Over the past 10 years, Huawei says that it has grown significantly in Europe, particularly due to the region’s open economy and foreign investment initiatives, and is committed to further increase its investment in the region. In September 2012, Huawei announced a US$2 billion investment in R&D, local procurement and center of excellence initiatives in the UK.
Source: Cellular news

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Alcatel-Lucent to boost Bharti’s African networks

Alcatel-Lucent has been selected by Bharti Airtel to upgrade the backhaul networks of the telco’s African subsidiaries with internet protocol/multiprotocol label switching (IP/MPLS) technology, to help support growing mobile data use in Bharti’s African subscriber base. The upgraded backbone network will support all 17 of Airtel’s African units, as well as providing more robust interconnection to global networks. Alca-Lu claims that the single international network will offer a more simple structure to improve performance, and interoperable mechanisms for faster service recovery. The new network implementation not only provides a substantially improved quality of service for our current customers, it also does an excellent job of preparing Airtel Africa for future international expansion opportunities.
Source: TeleGeography

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ZTE introduces two smartphones in the Philippines

ZTE has introduced the ZTE Grand Era and Grand X LTE T82 smartphones in the Philippines. The launch of the smartphones is expected to help boost the company’s growth by 500 percent. The addition of Grand Era to the current line-up of ZTE smartphones is expected to strengthen the position of the ZTE brand as a serious player in the domestic mobile handset market.
Source: Xinhua

Huawei introduces MediaPad 7 Lite in Poland

Huawei has started sales of the MediaPad 7 Lite tablet in Poland, reports One.pl. The Android 4.0 device will be available for sale in shops of the mobile operator T-Mobile Poland. The recommended price of the tablet with 3G module is PLN 1,269.
Source: Telecompaper

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Nokia Siemens Networks Wins UK LTE Network Contract

Nokia Siemens Networks has been selected by O2 (Telefonica UK) to prepare its network to deliver LTE services across London and the South East of England. The decision to upgrade its network to 4G was made after a year-long LTE network trial involving hundreds of consumers and businesses across parts of London. O2’s investment in its UK network with Nokia Siemens Networks includes an upgrade to its existing GSM and 3G (HSPA) network with the latest radio access technology. Nokia Siemens Networks is also enabling O2’s radio access network (RAN) sharing. Under the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks is providing its Single RAN platform, and implementing its high-capacity Liquid Radio solution based on the Flexi Multiradio 10 Base Station.
Source: Cellular News

Huawei selected by H3G UK for core network management

ZTE Announces Quad-Core, 5-Inch Nubia Z5 Smartphone

ZTE has announced its quad-core, 5-inch Nubia Z5 smartphone. The Nubia Z5 runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and it are powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, as well as containing a 2,300 mAh battery. The handset comes in black or white, accompanied by a 5-inch 1080p touch screen boasting a 1,920×1, 080-pixel resolution and 443 PPI, with the display being manufactured by Sharp. For some perspective, the iPhone 5’s Retina display has a PPI (pixels-per inch) of 326. ZTE implemented an aluminum uni-body design that measures 5.43-inches tall, 2.71-inches wide, joined by a thin, 0.3-inch profile. Its weight, meanwhile, is a modest 4.44 ounces.
Source: Tomshardware

Nokia Switches to Faster Memory Chips for Select Smartphones

Nokia phones are now using Phase Change Memory (PCM) instead of conventional NOR and NAND flash memory in some of its recently announced mobile phones. The PCM technology is being provided by Micron Technology and its key advantage is faster read/write times and is more durable as a memory structure shrinks, allowing for more memory to be crammed into a smaller space. Micron Technology says that with high-volume shipments of its 45-nanometer (nm), 1Gb PCM-based multichip package (MCP) solution for mobile devices well underway, the company is now sampling a 512Mb PCM plus 512Mb LPDDR2 MCP that offers greater flexibility in terms of application requirements.
Source: Cellular News

Ericsson selected by Vivo for LTE rollout

Huawei recognized as Middle East Vendor of the Year at CommsMEA Awards 2012

Huawei was honored as “Middle East Vendor of the Year” during the seventh edition of the CommsMEA Awards 2012 a forum recognizing those that have helped turn the region’s telecommunications sector into one of the most dynamic and vibrant in the world. Taking home the award for four years running, the recognition acknowledges Huawei’s ongoing industry leadership for exceeding its clients’ expectations on the delivery of projects in the Middle East. The esteemed judging panel also noted the high level of innovation behind various Huawei projects and their deployment, as well as the wide reaching benefits to local operators. Huawei currently serves more than one third of the world’s population in over 140 countries worldwide. Within the Middle East, Huawei has been active for more than a decade with ten regional offices that today include over 3,500 employees responsible for more than $3 billion in contract sales last year alone.
Source: Telecompaper

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