RF&WirelessBlog

LTE makes US debut: “new era of 4G” says Strategy Analytics

Verizon Wireless launched its 4G LTE network last week in 38 major US metropolitan areas, which together allow it to potentially reach more than 110 million people.

Clear Mobitel announces UK LTE trial in 800MHz ‘Digital Dividend’ spectrum in Cornwall

Clear Mobitel, whose headquarters are in the UK, has announced this week that it will carry out the UK's first live LTE trial in Cornwall, UK, using the 800MHz 'Digital Dividend' spectrum. The 800MHz RF band was previously occupied by analogue TV transmissions until the completion of the digital switchover in the South West in April 2009. Meanwhile in a separate announcement Strategy Analytics has released figures indicating that more than 40% of LTE devices will operate in the lower frequency bands of 700 – 850MHz up to 2014.

Deltenna launches wireless broadband enabler for 2Mb/s rural service delivery

A device to deliver broadband to rural areas that are distant from a fixed telephone exchange has been launched today by Chippenham, UK, based Deltenna. The WiBE (Wireless Broadband Enabler) creates a 2Mb/s Wi-Fi hotspot connected to the 3G mobile network, even in many places where a 3G mobile phone would be unable register a signal.

Cellular reports highlight Chinese market growth in 2010

Two newly-published market studies – from Forward Concepts and Strategy Analytics – have provided a snapshot of different areas of the cellular market, and have both concluded that China promises strong growth prospects in 2010.

Enhanced version of WeFi software launched for locating Wi-Fi hotspots

With the anticipated growth in importance of Wi-Fi as a means of offloading data traffic from overburdened cellular networks, the means of locating and automatically connecting to suitable hotspots is becoming a priority. Now WeFi, a company that has already created a database of over 56 million Wi-Fi access points worldwide, has launched an updated version of its free connection software for PC and Android mobile phones. The software locates and categorises available Wi-Fi hotspots, with user-friendly mapping of all access points relative to a specific street address.

Bridgewater Systems to supply LTE product suite to MetroPCS

Bridgewater Systems, based in Ottawa, Canada, has announced a multi-million dollar order from MetroPCS Communications for its LTE product suite, including the Bridgewater Home Subscriber Server and Policy Controller, to enable its 4G LTE network launch planned for the second half of 2010.

Operators turn to CEM software to help reduce churn

With the market for cellular customers now saturated across most of the developed world, minimising churn and retaining existing customers is becoming even more of a major priority for wireless operators. This is because it is demonstrably more cost-effective to retain existing customers than to attempt to win new ones from their competitors.