Ericsson launches HSPA mobile broadband modules
Ericsson has introduced two HSPA mobile broadband modules, which will enable consumers to access connected handheld gaming devices, media players, personal navigation devices and tablets that utilize high speed mobile broadband. The Ericsson C5621gw and H5321gw modules enable a variety of connected devices on the market.
Ericsson is also welcoming developers to enable universal device connectivity and the company has been working with AT&T. The AT&T 3G Access Program is designed to offer enhanced consumer electronics and machine-to-machine device manufacturers high-performance 3G modules.
The C5621gw HSPA module will also be included in the programme. With embedded technologies, antennas and system performance are enhanced, providing high quality of service and low power consumption. In addition, the modules enable users to access data download speeds of up to 21Mbps and upload speeds of up to 5.76Mbps.
Designed to be embedded into any consumer electronic device, the H5321gw module will be available to customers within the global consumer electronics industry in September. The C5621gw will be available to customers in October. Both modules are based on ST-Ericsson’s Thor M5730 modem, which works both on WCDMA/HSPA+ and GSM/EDGE networks. Ericsson has approximately 100 design wins for notebooks and netbooks and 25 design wins for tablets, for modules based on the same chipset family from ST-Ericsson.
NetComm exhibits the liberty series LTE router at the Orlando international CTIA wireless 2011
NetComm Limited has announced the US unveiling of the new Libertyâ„¢ Series LTE Router at the International CTIA WIRELESS® show, Orlando, from the 22nd 24th March, 2011. NetComm’s Libertyâ„¢ Series LTE Router with WiFi was developed in swift response to the growing momentum of Long Term Evolution (LTE) network developments worldwide. The integration of an LTE module from Sierra Wireless, a leader in wireless solutions for mobile broadband applications, ensures compatibility with existing 2G and 3G services, and a solid end-user experience that supports worldwide roaming.
NetComm President and CEO, David Stewart said while NetComm is prepared for the rollout of global LTE networks which are expected to exceed current ADSL speeds with broadband delivery rates of up to 100Mbps download and 50Mbps upload, current focus remains on delivering HSPA+ products in line with the staggered global deployment of high-speed HSPA+ networks.
“Mobile broadband developments are advancing at a phenomenal rate with over 99% of the world’s WCDMA operators achieving the successful deployment of HSPA on their networks in the space of just 5 years. A large-scale migration to HSPA+ was achieved over the past year with HSPA+ now in service on over a quarter of the world’s HSPA networks,” Mr Stewart said.
Mr Stewart says, “While we look forward to exhibiting our LTE Router at the International CTIA Wireless® show, NetComm remains focused on delivering uniquely customized 42Mbps and 21Mbps with voice HSPA technologies to meet today’s demands.”
“NetComm’s long-term commitment to the prompt supply of specifically designed technologies which are engineered to meet the individual requirements of our carrier partners forms the basis of our proven track-record of staying at the forefront of these rapid network advances,” said Mr Stewart.
NetComm CTO, Mr Brett Stevens, says, “Consumers and businesses hungry for speed and versatility are pushing carriers to develop faster networks. With this comes a need for the delivery of products that are capable of making the most of progressing network speeds. Leading telecommunications carriers, both in North America and the rest of the world, are in the process of launching 42Mbps and 21Mbps networks in response to this growing consumer demand. I am pleased to say that NetComm has long been prepared for these network upgrades and has the corresponding technology ready to go.”
“The development of sizeable HSPA+ and LTE networks will be of particular benefit to those living or working in areas not serviced by ADSL, cable or fibre. NetComm’s Libertyâ„¢ Series Routers will give users the capability to establish a super high-speed Wi-Fi hotspot from virtually anywhere within their Internet service provider’s coverage area,” said Mr Stevens.
3G connections to reach 400 mn mark in four years (India)
A new study has revealed that the number of 3G subscriber connections in India are predicted to reach 400 million mark within four years, representing almost 30% of the country’s total mobile connections.
According to the study, 3G connections are set to grow three-fold between 2011 and 2015 as operators ramp-up launch of new 3G networks.
It added that Indian operators spent a combined $15 billion in acquiring Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) 3G spectrum at an auction last year and are forecast to jointly invest a further $2.5 billion in building the new networks and launching 3G services in 2011. More than 80% of 3G connections would be based on WCDMA in five years, with the remaining 20% on CDMA-based 3G networks. Competition in the Indian 3G space is likely to be intense as most operators have set ambitious targets.
The study notes that India’s Circle A and Circle B service areas would account for 75% of the country’s 3G connections by 2015. Even though initial 3G launches are concentrated in the so-called metro areas (Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata), they will soon be outstripped by fast-growing demand for 3G in more populous regions such as Punjab, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Haryana.
According to the study, by 2015, 3G market shares will more closely resemble the overall national picture: Bharti — India’s largest operator — is forecast to command the largest 3G share (18 per cent), followed by Reliance (15 per cent) and BSNL (13 per cent).
Mobile infrastructure market revenues reach $11.2 billion mark
A latest research report has unearthed that mobile infrastructure market revenues increased 33% in the fourth quarter of 2010 to $11.2 billion. The report indicates that the market expansion was a result of continued strong WCDMA sales, as well as a pick up in the 2G market. In addition, vendors started recognizing significant LTE infrastructure revenues during the fourth quarter.
According to analysts,the demand for mobile broadband is spreading throughout the world, and they saw strong WCDMA performance in all regions as the massive growth in data traffic resulted in operators worldwide investing in their 3G networks.
They added that the fourth quarter marked the first period of significant LTE revenues. While the U.S. operators led in terms of covered LTE population, it was the European vendors who took the lead in the LTE infrastructure market. Ericsson, Alcatel-Lucent and Nokia Siemens in particular, accounted for 80% of LTE infrastructure revenues during the quarter.
The report indicates that the positive momentum seen during the fourth quarter will continue in 2011, as the total mobile infrastructure market is forecast to grow 5% next year, with the WCDMA and LTE markets forecast to show significant expansions.
Huawei bags 3G Network Contracts in Mexico and Brazil
Huawei has won network contracts for new WCDMA networks for NII Holdings subsidiaries in Mexico and Brazil.
Both networks trade under the Nextel brand name Nextel has purchased 3G spectrum in Mexico and has placed bids for spectrum in Brazil.
It is considered that Huawei will develop and deliver the core network, radio access network (RAN) and backhaul, all of which will be customized for NII’s Push-to-Talk service.
Mobile infrastructure equipment market to worth $42 billion by 2015
The mobile infrastructure equipment market is forecast to resume positive growth in 2011 following the double-digit revenue decline in 2009 and single-digit decline in 2010. The overall mobile infrastructure market is expected to grow from $34 billion in 2010 to $42 billion in 2015.
According to analysts, the growing use of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets will continue to challenge operators and vendors for years to come. They believe this increase in data demand will require operators to continue investing in their 3G/3.5G networks throughout the entire forecast period. While they have seen several successful LTE launches and we expect LTE revenue to see stronger growth, they believe WCDMA networks will carry the majority of the traffic throughout the forecast horizon. In addition, they anticipate some recurring 2G investments in fast-growing markets such as China and India to deal with the large 2G installed base.
The report shows that WCDMA revenues are expected to grow from $16 billion in 2010 to nearly $30 billion in 2015.LTE revenues are expected to grow from $350 million in 2010 to almost $7.7 billion in 2015.
Mobile Networks may reach 650Mbps Data download speed (USA)
Nokia Siemens Networks believes that operators would be able to achieve peak data rates of more than 650Mbps, owing to a HSPA standard being driven by itself and T-Mobile USA. Long Term HSPA Evolution would improve mobile broadband with speeds matching those promised by LTE Advanced.
According to Nokia Siemens Networks, the technology‘s standardization is aiming to make it available for commercial deployment by 2013. The proposed key features of Long Term HSPA Evolution were accepted during the plenary meeting of 3GPP RAN held on 7-10 December, 2010.
According to Neville Ray, chief technology officer, T-Mobile USA, the company strongly believes in continued HSPA evolution in parallel to the further development of LTE and LTE Advanced. Long Term HSPA Evolution will allow us to enhance their 4G mobile broadband network beyond its current and planned near term capabilities, and provide room for considerable growth and speed enhancements. As customer demand for wireless data increases, they are well positioned to compete based on the speed, breadth and evolution path of their mobile broadband service.
Nokia Siemens Networks’ Single Radio Access Network (RAN) platform is already prepared for Long Term HSPA Evolution. Operators would have a smooth evolution path to handle increased network traffic along with controlling costs with the introduction of the new technology.
In addition, all Long Term HSPA Evolution features are backwards compatible and can be used together with existing WCDMA and HSPA mobiles on the same carriers.
Unicom slashes 3G tariffs to step up competition
In a bid to attract subscribers, China Unicom has halved the monthly fee that it charges for its 3G service. The operator’s cheapest monthly 3G tariff formerly CNY96 has now been reduced to CNY46 (around US$7).
In an official statement, the operator commented: The new 3G tariff packages greatly reduce the consumption threshold, while adding more minutes of local calls, and more flexible billing.â€
The three largest operators in China are increasingly fighting for the 3G market, with China Mobile and China Telecom competing with Unicom for the country’s 38 million-plus 3G subscribers.
Unicom is currently in second place with 11.6 million subscribers at the end of October 2010, while China Mobile holds the lead with 16.98 million. China Telecom has stated that at the end of September 2010 its 3G subscribers numbered around 9.15 million.
China Mobile holds a massive 70% share of the country’s mobile market, and so its 3G lead is comparatively slim, with only 5 million more 3G subscribers than Unicom. This may result from its use of Chinese-developed TD-SCDMA technology, which lacks the established global install base of the rival technologies WCDMA and EV-DO 3G that are used respectively by Unicom and China Telecom.
ZTE to launch Android 3G tablet
ZTE, the fast-growing Chinese telecom equipment maker has launched its first tablet PC, ZTE Light. The device has a seven-inch touchscreen and uses the GSM family of standards, including WCDMA and runs on Android, the open source software platform created by Google.
According to the company, ZTE plans to sell the tablet through retail channels as well as in partnerships with telecom operators. All of the devices will carry the ZTE brand, but some may be co-branded with mobile operators.
ZTE joins Nokia, LG Electronics, Dell, Lenovo and Hewlett-Packard, which have all rolled out their offerings since Apple’s launch of the iPad. ZTE has not quoted prices for the device as yet
The company claims that it would start selling the ZTE Light before the end of the year.
Verizon releases global mobile hotspot
Verizon has launched the first mobile hotspot to offer data service in more than 200 countries, and will also provide 3G speed to 120 of these countries.
The Fivespot comes with a built-in SIM card, and can handle up to five Wi-Fi devices at a time. It links to GSM networks as well as Verizon’s own Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) network. It also Supports standards include CDMA, WCDMA, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, GPRS and EDGE networks.
There are various different international price plans which are not very pocket friendly. The lowest-cost gives a 5GB allowance in the US and Canada plus 100MB in ‘select countries’, and costs US$129.99. There’s also a Global-Access Pay Per Use option for those who sign up for the company’s US$59.99 Mobile Broadband service plan in the US; data costs US$0.002 per KB in Canada, US$0.005 per KB in Mexico and US$0.02 per KB in more than 200 other destinations.
The Fivespot itself will be on sale for US$99.99 after a US$100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Manufactured by ZTE, it measures about four inches by two by half an inch thick, and weighs less than three pounds.
