The next generation
LTE (Long Term Evolution) continues to gain momentum as the 4G mobile phone technology of choice, as mobile phone operator O2/Telefonica collaborated with telco solutions provider Huawei to complete what it claims is the first fully operational operational LTE trial in the UK.
The main significance behind successive generations of mobile phone technology is an order of magnitude increase in bandwidth, allowing much faster transmission of data. As the mobile Internet gains momentum, people will want to be able to stream ever-larger chunks of data to and from their phones.
O2 claims that it achieved a cell peak downlink rate of 150Mbps in the Slough area, which is where O2 is headquartered. This is many times greater than the most generous estimates of 3G bandwidth. O2's 3G HSDPA 3G network claims speeds of up to 3.6 Mbps.
Derek McManus, CTO of O2 UK, said: "We are pleased to collaborate with Huawei on this LTE trial, which will allow us to better understand this emerging technology and prepare us in offering our customers next generation mobile broadband services in the future."
Pablo Chen, head of Huawei Telefónica O2 Key Account, added: "Huawei is very keen to be involved with the Telefónica O2 UK trials for LTE/SAE technology. We have demonstrated our state-of-the-art mobile technologies and capability to deliver on our promise. These trials will give an excellent reference to Telefónica O2 for the evaluation of LTE technology."
