Quake Global has received approval from Iridium Communications Inc for its dual-mode modem that works on satellite and GSM network. Q400 modem supports GSM/GPRS communications in Quad band (GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz) and satellite communications on Globalstar and Iridium networks. Q400 is one of the first dual-mode integrated modem avaialble for the asset tracking market.
iTWire is reporting that Telstra will launch Cisco’s Cius tablet with 4G LTE capability in few months. Cius’s spec shows HSPA+ capability right now,
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/voicesw/ps6789/ps7290/ps11156/data_sheet_c78-609507.html
Cius could use off-the-shelf 4G LTE modules to add LTE capability.
Sprint is launching a ZTE Optik, a 3G tablet for less than $100. Optik uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chip MSM8660 that will operate on Sprint’s EV-Do Rev.A network. Many tablet OEMs are using Snapdragon chipset instead of a separate 3G module.
Rogers Communications, a Canadian carrier will soon be launching Sierra Wireless’s Aircard 330U, an LTE USB device and Aircard 763S, an LTE mobile hotspt. These devices will be operating on both 1700/2100 MHz and teh 2600 MHz frequecy bands on Roger’s LTE network.
Qualcomm and Ericsson has demonstrated the voice call handover from LTE to 3G network. This functionality is the 3GPP standard called Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC). When the users move out of a LTE coverage, the call will be automatically handed over to WCDMA or GSM network during the call.
MetroPCS is offering unlimited plan for 4G LTE devices.The new plan costs $40 and does not require any contract. The 3 phones that are available are Samsung Galaxy Attain 4G, the Samsung Galaxy Indulge and the LG Esteem. Based on speed tests by PCMag, MetroPCS average LTE download speed in 1.62 Mbps and average LTE upload spped is 1.07 Mpbps.
Bloomberg has reported that iPad 3 will have 4G LTE support which would enable faster network speeds on the next generation devices. Verizon and AT&T has been expanding 4G LTE network coverage and Sprint is rumoured to launch 4G LTE services as well. iPad2 had in-built 3G module based on Qualcomm chipset, so it is very likely that iPad3 will also have a 4G LTE module based on Qualcomm’s MDM 9×00 chipset.
According to a 2011 infringement lawsuit filed in Germany, Motorola demanded 2.25% in royalty fees for Apple’s use Motorola’s 3H/UMTS patent in Apple’s product. Since Apple uses Qualcomm’s chipset in its products, it is arguing that it is covered by cross-licensing agrement between Motorola and Qualcomm around 3G standards.
According to a report by IHS iSuppli in Jan 31, LTE technology spending will reach $24.3 billion in 2013 and $36.1 billion in 2015. 4G LTE networks have grown to about 200 worldwide, up from 160 in 2010. In U.S, Verizon and AT&T has already expanding theit 4G LTE networks.
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications have developed algorithms to share 4G LTE networks between carriers. The idea: two or more providers use the network jointly, meaning they are sharing the frequencies and the infrastructure. “This way, for example, customers of network provider A in Bavaria could use the base stations of network provider B in Brandenburg and vice versa,“ says Dr. Volker Jungnickel of HHI. 4G LTE Spectrum sharing offers carriers many advantages beyond cost savings such as better coverage.
http://www.fraunhofer.de/en/press/research-news/2012/february/jointly-utilizing-ltenetworks.html