Motorola First to UK 4G Testing
This week could mark the first steps towards the next generation of mobile broadband in the
The new technology being tested is LTE, or Long Term Evolution, which could be the next mobile broadband standard, eventually replacing 3G. It will be capable of delivering connectivity at speeds of hundreds of gigabits per second – theoretically at least, so completely revolutionising the way we experience mobile broadband. LTE trials have been successfully run overseas, but Motorola’s trials – using a prototype LTE device – are the first in the
The trials bring the new technology one step closer to reality, and Motorola is pleased to be ahead of the curve in the scramble to the next standard of mobile broadband, “Motorola is at the forefront of 4G development, which will address the mobility demands of today’s consumers who are looking for personalised media experiences and operators looking to lower their cost per bit and gain a competitive advantage,” commented Joe Cozzolino, senior VP of Motorola home and networks mobility.
It will be a while before LTE is unleashed on the world, though. For one thing, there is still debate about which standard will be adopted as the next generation of mobile broadband – with WiMax the other main contender. And even if we assume that LTE can make the grade, Motorola’s tests are using the 2.6GHz spectrum, which will not become available for use until it is auctioned off later this year. In the meantime, HSPA+, which Vodafone has trialled up to 16Mb, may provide the next jump forwards we will see in mobile broadband speeds.
