Mar 02

GTM801 Option’s new 4G LTE LGA Module

Option has announced its new 4G LTE LGA module called GTM801. This LGA module uses the Qualcomm’s MDM 9215 chipset and is targetted for tablets and ultra-portable notebooks. However high-volume tablet manufacturers such as Samsung, ZTEĀ  etc tend to go with chip-on-board design.

Feb 22

Qualcomm launches 4G embedded reference platform on MDM9615 and MDM9215 chipsets

Qualcomm announced the availability for next generation embedded reference design platform based on MDM9615 and MDM9216 chipsets. This platform will be used in next gen 4G LTE modules to enable LTE connectivity in laptops, netbooks, tablets and other M2M applications. Like the previous generations of Gobi modules, 9×15-based modules can support multi-mode functionility – CDMA and GSM networks that will include support for air interfaces such as LTE, DC-HSPA+, EDGE, GPRS, EVDO Rev A/B and 1xRTT.Manu 4G modules vendors are expected to adopt this chipset for their next generation module development.

Feb 22

Yota launching 4G LTE network in Russia

Yota is launching 4G LTE network in Russia in April. Skartel, which trades under the name of Yota plans to have LTE coverage in all Russian cities by September of 2012. Yota’s LTE users will experience a downlink speeds of 20 Mbps, which is better than the 3-7 Mbps 3G network speeds.

Feb 20

Nvidia’s answer to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon platform, which integrated a app processor and WWAN modem has been widely adopted by smartphone and tablet manufacturers. Nvidi’a purchased cellular chipset maker Icera to offer WWAN capabilities with its Tegra processors. ZTE Mimosa, a smartphone expected to be availabel in Q2 will integrate dual-core CPU, GeForce GPU and Icera’s 450 HSPA+ modem. Icera’s chipsets have been incorporated in variety of 3G modules.

Feb 20

LTE patent leaders

Article One partners and Thomson Reuters have published the findings of their study of LTE patent portfolios. The study shows that Nokia, Qualcomm, Samsung and Ericsson have the leadership position in LTE patent portfolios. The patent study also covered evolving LTE technological advances such as Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), Voice over LTE and advanced carrier aggregation.

Feb 16

Clearwire to launch LTE service in 2013

Clearwire has announced that it will launch LTE service by June 2013. Unlike Verizon and AT&T, Clearwire’s LTE will be based on TDD. Some of the carriers in Europe and Japan have adopted TD-LTE, but vast majority of teh carriers have adopted LTE FDD. Clearwire seems to be changing its focus from WiMAX to LTE.