GSA Evolution To LTE Report 310314

Evolution to LTE Report
March 31, 2014
This report and all related materials and resources

are copyright of GSA Global mobile Suppliers
Association. Any texts, images, layouts or other
contents may not be copied or distributed, whole or in
part, without the written consent of GSA, except for
personal non-commercial use. For such purposes
please contact the Secretariat by email to
info@gsacom.com
Introduction
LTE Long Term Evolution is a global success. In
this latest issue of Evolution to LTE report, GSA
provides the current situation to industry giving facts
and analysis about the global status and growth of
mobile broadband enabled by LTE. This report is
regularly updated and free to download by over
62,500 registered user of the GSA website.
Please also see www.gsacom.com/disclaimer.php4
Information is provided herein about the LTE system,

covering FDD and TDD modes, technical standards,
operator investments and commitments including
network deployments, studies, trials, commercial
launches, and regulatory developments, including
spectrum for LTE-enabled mobile broadband service
network deployments. LTE is a single global standard
for both modes, specified by 3GPP. The vast majority
of the standard is the same for LTE FDD and LTE
TDD. Companies from across the industry and globe
contributed to both modes within the standardization
of LTE. This has led to global scale and minimal
market fragmentation, and is one of the key reasons
for LTE's growing success. The report also provides a
status update on the LTE user devices ecosystem.
VoLTE,
LTE-Advanced,
LTE
roaming,
LTE
Broadcast, the APT700 band, and global LTE
subscriptions.
LTE Market Summary March 2014

279 LTE networks are commercially
launched in 101 countries (up to 31.03.14)
536 operators investing in LTE in 157 countries
482 operator commitments in 147 countries

54 pre-commitment trials in 10 more countries
GSA forecasts 350+ commercially launched

LTE networks by end 2014
MVNOs are excluded
1,563 LTE user devices announced

(GSA report March 19, 2014)
GSA www.gsacom.com
Information for the production of this report was

obtained in several ways, including via regular
information exchanges between GSA and senior
management in network operators, with regulatory
authorities, suppliers and other stakeholders. This is
in addition to consideration and analysis of public
statements where available including company press
releases and briefings, in order to accurately confirm
facts and ensure that this report reflects the true LTE
mobile broadband market situation. Comments about
the report including news/updates should be sent to
email info@gsacom.com
LTE is the fastest developing mobile system

technology ever
115 LTE networks commercially launched
in 2013 (year end total = 263)
LTE is a mainstream technology - the rapid
expansion globally continues
GSAs definition of commercial launch:
GSA provides additional LTE-related resources to

complement this report, including maps and charts,
which can be downloaded by registered site users at
www.gsacom.com/news/statistics.php4
The phase in which a public telecommunications operator

is carrying commercial traffic on its LTE network, or offers
to provide public service. Only licensed operators with
spectrum assigned for use in public LTE communications
networks are considered. MVNOs are not included. The
LTE operators business model may be retail or wholesale.
Devices compatible for use on the LTE network may be
sold direct by the operator to the customer, or via
distributors, resellers or other third parties, or already be
owned by persons wishing to use the service.
Selected charts and maps are also available as PDF

files (for higher resolution). Related reports to see:
Status of the LTE Ecosystem report
Status of the Global LTE TDD Market report
Status of the Global LTE1800 Market report
March 31, 2014
279 commercially launched LTE networks in

101 countries GSA Global mobile Suppliers Association
Country
Operator
Launch
Norway
Sweden
Uzbekistan
Poland
USA
Austria
Sweden
Sweden
Hong Kong
Finland
Germany
USA
Finland
Denmark
Estonia
Japan
Germany
Philippines
Lithuania
Latvia
Singapore
South Korea
South Korea
Germany
Canada
Austria
USA
Canada
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
USA
UAE
Australia
Denmark
Austria
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Kyrgyzstan
Brazil
Finland
Uruguay
USA
Singapore
Kuwait
Armenia
Bahrain
Hungary
South Korea
Russia
Canada
USA
Japan
TeliaSonera (NetCom)
TeliaSonera
UCell
Aero2 (LTE FDD and TDD)
T Mobile US
A1 Telekom
Telenor Sweden
Tele2 Sweden
CSL Limited
TeliaSonera
Vodafone
Verizon Wireless
Elisa
TeliaSonera
EMT
NTT DoCoMo
Deutsche Telekom
Smart Communications
Omnitel
LMT
M1
SK Telecom
LG U+
O2
Rogers Wireless
T-Mobile
Mosaic Telecom
Bell Mobility
Mobily (LTE TDD) later FDD
STC (LTE TDD) later FDD
Zain
AT&T Mobility
Etisalat
Telstra
TDC
3
AT&T Mobility
Claro
Saima Telecom
Sky Brazil (LTE TDD)
DNA
Antel
Cricket
SingTel
Viva
Vivacell-MTS
Viva
T-Mobile (MT)
KT
Yota
TELUS
Peoples Telephone Co-op
14.12.09
14.12.09
09.08.10
07.09.10
21.09.10
05.11.10
15.11.10
15.11.10
25.11.10
30.11.10
01.12.10
05.12.10
08.12.10
09.12.10
17.12.10
24.12.10
05.04.11
16.04.11
28.04.11
31.05.11
21.06.11
01.07.11
01.07.11
01.07.11
07.07.11
28.07.11
07. 2011
14.09.11
14.09.11
14.09.11
14.09.11
18.09.11
25.09.11
27.09.11
10.10.11
18.11.11
20.11.11
24.11.11
09.12.11
13.12.11
13.12.11
13.12.11
21.12.11
22.12.11
27.12.11
28.12.11
01.01.12
01.01.12
03.01.12
15.01.12
10.02.12
14.02.12
24.02.12
Softbank Mobile XGP/LTE TDD later FDD
Portugal
Portugal
Portugal
Japan
USA
Croatia
Croatia
USA
Australia
India
Angola
Puerto Rico
Moldova
Sweden
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
USA
USA
Netherlands
Hong Kong
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Namibia
USA
Tanzania
UAE
Colombia
Azerbaijan
Czech Rep
Mauritius
UK
Guam
Hungary
Dominican R.
Slovenia
USA
Oman
USA
Australia
Mauritius
Slovak Rep
Hong Kong
Poland
USA
USA
Russia
Russia
USA
Singapore
Japan
Japan
Canada
Denmark
Philippines
Luxembourg
Meo (formerly TMN)

Vodafone Portugal
Optimus
eAccess
US Cellular
T Mobile/T-Hrvatski Telekom
VIPNet
Panhandle (PTCI)
NBN Co (LTE TDD)
Bharti Airtel (LTE TDD)
Movicel
Open Mobile
IDC
3 (LTE FDD and TDD)
CM HK (LTE FDD later TDD)
PCCW
Cellcom
Pioneer Cellular
Vodafone
3 HK
Ziggo
Tele2
KPN
T-Mobile
MTC
BendBroadband
Smile
Du
Une-UPM
Azercell
Telefonica O2
Orange
UK Broadband (LTE TDD)
IT&E
Telenor Hungary
Orange Dominicana
Si.mobil
Sprint LTE FDD later TDD
Omantel LTE TDD later FDD
Infrastructure Networks
Optus FDD later TDD
Emtel
Telefonica O2
Smartone
Polkomtel Plus
Chariton Valley
Nortex Communications
Megafon LTE TDD later FDD
MTS LTE TDD later FDD
C Spire Wireless
StarHub
KDDI
Softbank Mobile
MTS
3 Denmark
Globe
Tango
12.03.12
12.03.12
15.03.12
15.03.12
22.03.12
23.03.12
23.03.12
03.2012
02.04.12
10.04.12
14.04.12
19.04.12
21.04.12
23.04.12
25.04.12
25.04.12
30.04.12
30.04.12
01.05.12
02.05.12
03.05.12
08.05.12
11.05.12
11.05.12
16.05.12
17.05.12
30.05.12
12.06.12
14.06.12
19.06.12
19.06.12
21.06.12
28.06.12
28.06.12
05.07.12
09.07.12
12.07.12
15.07.12
16.07.12
25.07.12
31.07.12
July 2012
02.08.12
28.08.12
Sept 2012
Sept 2012
Sept 2012
01.09.12
01.09.12
10.09.12
19.09.12
21.09.12
21.09.12
25.09.12
28.09.12
28.09.12
01.10.12
March 31, 2014

Guam
Tajikistan
Norway
South Africa
USA
Mexico
Luxembourg
UK
Uganda
Belgium
USA
Antigua-Barb
Mexico
Italy
Italy
Montenegro
USA
Greece
Moldova
USA
Moldova
Romania
Kuwait
France
USA
Estonia
France
Switzerland
South Africa
Romania
Brazil
Angola
Bolivia
Greece
Puerto Rico
Kazakhstan
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Malaysia
USA
Canada
USA
Italy
Paraguay
Estonia
Canada
Oman
Paraguay
Bahrain
New Zealand
Brazil
Lithuania
Spain
USA
Dominican R.
Denmark
Guam
DoCoMo Pacific
Babilon-Mobile
Telenor
Vodacom
Alaska Communications
Telefonica Movistar
Orange
EE
Smile
Belgacom / Proximus
Bluegrass Cellular
Digicel
Telcel
Vodafone
TIM
Telenor
Sprocket Wireless
Cosmote
Moldcell
Strata Networks
Orange Moldova
Vodafone
Zain
Orange
Shentel
Tele2
SFR
Swisscom
MTN
Orange
Claro
Unitel
Entel Movil
Vodafone
Sprint Nextel
Altel
Dialog LTE TDD later FDD
Mobitel
Maxis
Thumb Cellular
Sasktel LTE FDD later TDD
Evolve Broadband
3 Italia
Personal
Elisa
Eastlink
Nawras
Vox
Batelco
Vodafone
On (LTE TDD)
Tele2
COTA (Murcia4G) (LTE TDD)
MiSpot
Tricom
Telenor
iConnect
04.10.12
06.10.12
10.10.12
10.10.12
12.10.12
15.10.12
29.10.12
30.10.12
Oct 2012
05.11.12
05.11.12
06.11.12
06.11.12
06.11.12
07.11.12
08.11.12
09.11.12
16.11.12
16.11.12
19.11.12
20.11.12
20.11.12
21.11.12
22.11.12
23.11.12
27.11.12
28.11.12
29.11.12
01.12.12
12.12.12
13.12.12
16.12.12
16.12.12
17.12.12
18.12.12
25.12.12
30.12.12
31.12.12
01.01.13
13.01.13
31.01.13
02.13
01.02.13
08.02.13
14.02.13
15.02.13
17.02.13
18.02.13
27.02.13
28.02.13
03.13
03.13
01.03.13
14.03.13
18.03.13
20.03.13
20.03.13
Slovenia
Iceland
Qatar
USVI
Bahrain
South Africa
Malaysia
Uganda
Brazil
Maldives
Romania
Brazil
Brazil
USA
France
Thailand
USA
USA
Lebanon
Lebanon
USA
Switzerland
Russia
Spain
Spain
Russia
Nigeria
Iraq
USA
Australia
Switzerland
Chile
USA
USVI
Iceland
Malaysia
Spain
Kuwait
Puerto Rico
Spain
USA
Uganda
Venezuela
USA
Nigeria
South Africa
Zimbabwe
UK
UK
Kiribati
Liechtenstein
Russia
Turkmenistan
Ireland
USA
Belgium
Czech Rep
Mobitel
Nova
Ooredoo
Sprint
Zain
Telkom Mobile / 8ta (LTE TDD)
Celcom Axiata
MTN Uganda (LTE TDD)
Oi
Wataniya
Cosmote
TIM Brasil
Vivo
Adams NetWorks
Bouygues Telecom
True Move
NorthwestCell
PVT/Fuego Wireless
Alfa
MTC Touch
Chat Mobility
Orange
Vimpelcom
Vodafone
Neo-Sky LTE TDD
Rostelecom
Smile Communications
Fastlink (Regional Telecom)
Appalachian Wireless
Vodafone
Sunrise Communications
Claro
MTA
AT&T Mobility
Fjarskipti (Vodafone Iceland)
DiGi
Orange
Wataniya
T Mobile
Yoigo
Custer Telephone
Orange
Digitel
ETC
Spectranet (LTE TDD)
Neotel
Econet Wireless
O2
Vodafone
TSKL
Orange
Vainakh Telecom (LTE TDD)
TMCELL
Meteor
Copper Valley Telecom
BASE
T Mobile
20.03.13
04.04.13
16.04.13
17.04.13
18.04.13
21.04.13
22.04.13
25.04.13
25.04.13
28.04.13
29.04.13
30.04.13
30.04.13
05.2013
06.05.13
08.05.13
13.05.13
17.05.13
20.05.13
22.05.13
23.05.13
26.05.13
27.05.13
29.05.13
06.2013
03.06.13
06.06.13
10.06.13
10.06.13
12.06.13
19.06.13
27.06.13
mid-2013
02.07.13
04.07.13
05.07.13
08.07.13
09.07.13
11.07.13
18.07.13
26.07.13
31.07.13
31.07.13
08.13
20.08.13
21.08.13
22.08.13
29.08.13
29.08.13
02.09.13
02.09.13
03.09.13
18.09.13
26.09.13
30.09.13
01.10.13
01.10.13
March 31, 2014

Monaco
Luxembourg
Spain
USA
Guam
Ireland
Bhutan
Nigeria
Malta
Aruba
New Zealand
Poland
Chile
Indonesia
Brunei
Slovak Rep
USA
Bahrain
Costa Rica
Namibia
USA
Montenegro
Cayman Isles
Cayman Isles
France
Greenland
Colombia
Colombia
Macedonia
UK
Fiji
USA
Czech Rep
Malaysia
China
Bahamas
Ecuador
USA
USA
Ghana
Peru
Iceland
Zambia
Sri Lanka
Zambia
Cambodia
Ireland
Sri Lanka
Colombia
Uruguay
China
Germany
China
Chile
Belgium
Monaco Telecom
POST
Movistar
Syringa Wireless
GTA
Vodafone
Bhutan Telecom
Swift Networks (LTE TDD)
Vodafone
Setar NV
Telecom NZ
Play
Movistar
PT Internux (LTE TDD)
DST
T Mobile
S and R Communications
Menatelecom (LTE TDD)
ICE
TN Mobile
Nex-Tech Wireless
T Mobile Crna Gora
Digicel
LIME
Free
Tele-Post
Movistar
Tigo
T Mobile
3 UK
Vodafone Fiji
Mid-Rivers Communications
Vodafone
U Mobile
China Mobile (LTE TDD)
BTC
CNT EP
Colorado Valley
nTelos Wireless
Vodafone
Telefonica Movistar
Siminn
MTN
SLT (LTE TDD)
Zamtel
Smart Axiata
3 Ireland
Lanka Bell (LTE TDD)
Claro
Claro
China Telecom (LTE TDD)
E Plus
China Unicom (LTE TDD)
Entel PCS
Mobistar
01.10.13
10.13
10.13
10.13
11.10.13
14.10.13
24.10.13
11.13
01.11.13
06.11.13
12.11.13
13.11.13
14.11.13
14.11.13
15.11.13
15.11.13
17.11.13
19.11.13
25.11.13
27.11.13
27.11.13
28.11.13
28.11.13
29.11.13
01.12.13
01.12.13
02.12.13
02.12.13
02.12.13
02.12.13
05.12.13
09.12.13
10.12.13
17.12.13
18.12.13
12.13
12.13
12.13
12.13
02.01.14
02.01.14
15.01.14
16.01.14
19.01.14
21.01.14
22.01.14
27.01.14
04.02.14
13.02.14
13.02.14
14.02.14
06.03.14
18.03.14
28.03.14
31.03.14
LTE is a single global standard with

both FDD and TDD modes, specified
by 3GPP delivering capacity, data
throughput enhancements and low
latency for services and features
needing high levels of capability and performance.
The drive towards LTE for operators is more capacity,
performance management and improved efficiencies
to lower delivery cost. LTE is a big step in the user
experience, enhancing demanding apps such as
interactive TV, video blogging, advanced gaming, and
professional services. LTE is a full IP network and
harmonizes with other radio access technologies and
is the natural evolution choice for GSM/HSPA, CDMA
and WiMAX operators, enabling a single unifying
global standard.
Spectrum for LTE deployments

Pressure for spectrum is high. Operators should
deploy the most efficient technologies, using paired
spectrum where available. LTE can be deployed in
existing 2G or 3G bands and in new bands e.g. 2.6
GHz or digital dividend spectrum (700/800 MHz) for
greater geographical coverage and improved inbuilding performance.
Adoption of the APT700 MHz band plan by several
countries across the APAC and Latin America regions
represents a major opportunity for global spectrum
harmonization for LTE deployments, paving the way
for ensuring the greatest economies of scale for
devices and capacity for mobile broadband services,
and for roaming. The FDD plan configuration (band
28) has attracted the most support. This is the first
time that a technology in one band is available almost
globally. GSA is not aware of any country or regulator
anywhere in the world adopting or recommending
allocation of spectrum according to Band 44 (TDD).
The capacity band in most regions is 2.6 GHz. There
is high interest in re-farming 2G spectrum for LTE,
especially 1800 MHz which is the mainstream
approach; most regulators adopt a technology-neutral
approach.
LTE radio network products incorporate several
features to simplify building and management of nextgeneration
networks.
Plug-and-play,
selfconfiguration and self-optimization simplify and
reduce network rollout and management cost. LTE is
GSA Global mobile Suppliers Association www.gsacom.com
March 31, 2014
being deployed alongside simplified, IP-based core

and transport networks that are easier to build,
maintain and introduce services on. The 3GPP core
network has also undergone System Architecture
Evolution, optimized for packet mode and the IPMultimedia Subsystem (IMS) to support all access
technologies, including fixed access. This allows:
vendor ecosystem and limit potential market

fragmentation. The result is major commonality of the
LTE specifications for the FDD and TDD modes in
fact the vast majority of the LTE standard is identical
for both modes, and the huge global success of LTE.
Most current LTE deployments use paired spectrum
(FDD). The LTE TDD mode is complementary and
the perfect choice for providing high-speed mobile
broadband access in unpaired spectrum. LTE TDD
also provides a future-proof evolutionary path for TDSCDMA, another 3GPP standard, as widely deployed
in China. LTE TDD is an integral part of the 3GPP
standard, implementing a maximum of commonalities
with LTE FDD and offering comparable performance
characteristics and similar high spectral efficiency.
Improvements in latency, capacity, throughput

Simplification of the core network, and optimization
for IP traffic, services, and growth
Simplified support and handover to non-3GPP
access technologies
The resulting evolved packet system comprizes the

core network, evolved packet core (EPC) and radio
network. The whole system is often called LTE.
Within globally assigned IMT bands for mobile

services, significant resources are suitable for LTE
TDD. The largest contiguous bands are 2.3 GHz (100
MHz) and within the 2.6 GHz band (50 MHz
according to the CEPT band plan). There are also
many deployments progressing or planned using 3.5
GHz (bands 42/43), which has significant future
potential for LTE. LTE TDD can exploit global
economies of scale similar to LTE FDD, with a short
time to market as a mainstream technology, and is an
ideal path for WiMAX operators to grow their
business, which many are embracing. LTE TDD
operator commitments, system maturity and status of
the devices eco-system are covered in this report.
Category 4 (Cat 4) is the next evolutionary step of

LTE, enabling 150 Mbps peak downlink. Numerous
networks that support Cat 4 are listed in this report.
LTE FDD and TDD modes have a clear evolution
towards LTE-Advanced as standardized in 3GPP
Release 10 onwards. Many operators are introducing
LTE-Advanced features, as summarized in this
report. Multi-carrier LTE service is commercially
launched. Deployment of LTE-Advanced features,
especially carrier aggregation, will be a main trend in
2014. The introduction of voice services for LTE
users by deploying VoLTE will also progress in 2014.
Commercialization of LTE Broadcast, enabled by
eMBMS technology, will spread in 2014.
LTE networks, developments global round-up
LTE TDD Systems

LTE is an open standard developed by 3GPP, the
Third Generation Partnership Project. The advanced
technological performance of LTE came with in-built
flexibility to operate in either paired (FDD, or
Frequency Division Duplexing, mode) or unpaired
(TDD, or Time Division Duplexing mode) spectrum
and various channel bandwidths all with a single
technology. Companies from around the globe
contributed to the LTE standard and its evolution
within 3GPP and the emphasis from the beginning
has been to leverage synergies between the two
duplexing modes to the largest extent possible. This
was done to allow operators to best utilize their
current network assets, spectrum allocations and
various bandwidth needs, while securing support,
choice and economies of scale from the global
Americas
USA
On September 21, 2010 regional carrier MetroPCS
became the first operator in the USA to launch LTE.
MetroPCS offered the worlds first commercially
available LTE handset, the Samsung Craft. Service
was launched in Las Vegas, extended to Dallas/Forth
Worth, Detroit, Boston, Sacramento and New York.
The Samsung SCH-R900/Craft was also the first
multi-mode CDMA-LTE handset. LTE network
expansion continues. MetroPCS had 2.2 million LTE
subs by end 2012 and has subsequently merged with
T Mobile USA (known as T Mobile US see below).
March 31, 2014
Verizon Wireless commercially launched LTE using

700 MHz (band 13) on December 5, 2010. LTE
service is available to over 97% of the population
(303 million people) in over 500 markets (February
2014). Verizon is also deploying LTE using AWS
spectrum in several markets and plans to deploy
VoLTE in 2014 and key LTE-Advanced features.
Networks
launched
commercial
service
on
November 19, 2012. Thumb Cellular commercially
launched 700 MHz LTE service on January 13, 2013.
KPU Telecommunications (Alaska) i.e. Ketchikan
Public Utilities plans to lease a 22 MHz block from
Verizon Wireless and deploy LTE sites for
commercial launch in 2014. Chat Mobility
commercially launched LTE service on May 23, 2013.
Appalachian Wireless commercially launched its
LTE service on June 10, 2013. Matanuska
Telephone
Association
(MTA)
commercially
launched LTE service in mid-2013.
Custer
Telephone Cooperative launched commercial 4G
LTE service on July 26, 2013. Copper Valley
Telecom launched commercial service on September
30, 2013 in Valdez, Prince William Sound, and
Cordova. S and R Communications commercially
launched in Indiana on November 17, 2013. MidRivers Communications commercially launched
LTE service on December 9, 2013 in 12 communities
across the eastern half of Montana.
Through its LTE in Rural America program Verizon

works with partners to collaboratively build and
operate an LTE network that covers over 2.6 million
people in rural communities over 82,000 square miles
by sharing its 700 MHz Upper C block spectrum. The
LTE in Rural America participants include:
Appalachian Wireless Kentucky

Bluegrass Cellular - Kentucky
Cellcom Wisconsin and Michigan
Chariton Valley Missouri
Chat Mobility - Iowa
Carolina West Wireless - North Carolina
Convergence Technologies Indiana
Copper Valley Telecom - Alaska
Cross Telephone - Oklahoma
Custer Telephone Cooperative Idaho
KPU - Alaska
Matanuska Telephone Association Alaska
Mid-Rivers Communications - Montana
MTPCS Montana, Louisiana, Texas
NorthwestCell Missouri
Pioneer Cellular Oklahoma
Sagebrush Cellular (Nemont) Dakota,
Montana
S and R Communications - Indiana
Strata Networks Utah
Thumb Cellular - Michigan
NorthwestCell launched on May 13, 2013.

AT&T Mobility commercially launched LTE service
on September 18, 2011 in 700 MHz (band 17) in
Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.
The LTE network covers over 500 markets and nearly
280 million people (March 2014). AT&T plans to close
its GSM network by 2017 latest, to re-farm the
spectrum to support its 3G and 4G networks. In
January 2013 AT&T announced plans to pay Verizon
Wireless the sum of US$ 1.9 billion for 700 MHz B
band spectrum covering 42 million people in 18
states, plus AWS spectrum in markets including
Phoenix, Los Angeles, Fresno, and Portland. All of
this spectrum will be used for LTE. VoLTE will be
deployed in 2014. LTE-Advanced is planned. AT&T
launched LTE-Advanced service in Chicago in March
2014, combining 700 MHz and AWS spectrum using
carrier aggregation.
Pioneer Cellular launched commercial LTE service

on April 30, 2012. Cellcom launched commercial LTE
service on April 30, 2012 in Green Bay, Sturgeon
Bay, Appleton, Oshkosh, Wausau, Oconto and
Marinette Counties. Chariton Valley commercially
launched LTE service for CPEs and personal
hotspots in September 2012. Bluegrass Cellular
launched commercial LTE service on November 5,
2012 covering 348,000 population. Sprocket
Wireless (brand of Cross Telephone) commercially
launched its first phase of 4G LTE service including
portions of the Muskogee and Pittsburg counties in
Eastern Oklahoma on November 9th, 2012. Strata
In December 2013 AT&T announced launch of LTE

roaming with Rogers Communications (Canada)
and EE (UK). Another 13 countries were offered from
February 2014.
T-Mobile USA commercially launched LTE service
on March 26, 2013 in AWS spectrum. By end 2013
coverage reached 200 million people in around 250
markets nationwide. With the MetroPCS merger now
March 31, 2014
closed, the new single company is trading as T

Mobile US. MetroPCS continues in the market as a
brand operated by T Mobile US. VoLTE is planned in
2014. T Mobile US is planning to increase the
bandwidth for LTE service, allocating different
amounts in different markets. Spectrum totaling 20
MHz paired was deployed in parts of North Dallas in
late 2013. T-Mobile has announced plans to re-use
most of the spectrum used in its EDGE network for
LTE by mid 2015. In addition, the company plans to
deploy LTE in 700 MHz A block spectrum that is
being acquired from Verizon Wireless.
Carolina West is deploying an LTE network.

C Spire Wireless holds 700 MHz band 12 spectrum
for most of Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama and
commercially launched LTE service on September
10, 2012 in McComb, Brookhaven, Meridian and
Greenville. Due to limited device support for band 12,
C Spire currently uses band 25 (1850 1915 / 1930 1995 MHz) for LTE.
CenturyLink plans to deploy LTE in 700 MHz, after
spending USD 149 million in the 700 MHz auction on
69 A and B block concessions.
MiSpot,
a
subsidiary
of
Agri-Valley
Communication, commercially launched 700 MHz
LTE service on March 14, 2013 to residents and
small businesses in rural communities in 37 counties
in northern and central Michigan.
Colorado Valley Communications (Texas) - a

member of the NetAmerica Alliance, commercially
launched LTE service in 700 MHz band 12 spectrum
in December 2013 in Ellinger, Fayetteville, Flatonia,
La Grange, Schulenburg and Weimar.
Adams NetWorks (western Illinois) commercially

launched a fixed broadband LTE network using band
17 C block spectrum in May 2013.
Enhanced
Telecommunications
Corporation
(ETC) commercially launched 4G LTE service in
August 2013, initially serving Decatur and Ripley
counties. The ETC website confirms coverage has
since been extended to Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio,
Scott and Switzerland counties.
Aircell aims to use LTE to boost its in-flight network

capacity if sufficient spectrum is obtained.
Bay Area Regional Interoperable Communications
System (BayRICS) vision was established by the 10
Bay Area Counties and 3 core cities, San Francisco,
Oakland, and San Jose in 2006 through the creation
of a strategic plan with the goal of providing voice and
data interoperability throughout the Bay Area region.
BayRICS is a state of the art communications
system-of-systems. Bay Area Wireless Enhanced
Broadband (BayWEB) is the broadband component
of BayRICS which has acquired 700 MHz in which an
LTE-based public safety system is intended to be
deployed. In April 2011, the first public-safety LTE
pilot network in the San Francisco Bay Area was
tested. These tests were commissioned by the East
Bay Communications System Authority, which
oversaw the pilot LTE network deployment.
Leap Wireless' Cricket subsidiary commercially

launched LTE on December 21, 2011 in Tucson in
AWS spectrum. On July 12, 2013 AT&T Mobility
announced plans to acquire Leap Wireless, and FCC
approval was secured in March 2014.
Syringa Wireless (Eastern Idaho) commercially
launched LTE service in October 2013.
CDMA operator Alaska Communications (ACS)
commercially launched 4G/LTE service in AWS
spectrum on October 12, 2012 in Anchorage,
Fairbanks and Juneau.
Alaska
Communications
and
General
Communication, Inc. (GCI) announced on July 23,
2013 that the companies had completed the
transaction to form The Alaska Wireless Network,
LLC (AWN). AWN will provide the latest wireless
services, including LTE, to its owners, Alaska
Communications and GCI, who will independently sell
these services to their respective retail customers and
continue to operate as competitors in Alaska.
BendBroadband announced on May 17, 2012 that

the company had upgraded its network, making it the
first carrier in Central Oregon to offer commercial LTE
service. BendBroadband announced it would shut
down its HSPA+ wireless network at end June 2012
after which it will only offer the LTE service.
According to reports, the company plans to sell its
licences and exit the market.
March 31, 2014
CDMA operator Nex-Tech Wireless commercially

launched LTE on November 27, 2013 using 700 MHz
B Block spectrum (band 12) acquired in May 2012.
Kayenta, Chinle, and Tuba City. The project will also

provide high-capacity connectivity on the combined
middle-mile backbone to 49 more tribal communities.
Atlantic Tele-Network is the subject of a takeover
proposal by AT&T Mobility announced in early 2013.
Sprint commercially launched LTE FDD service on

July 15, 2012 in 10 MHz of existing 1900 MHz
spectrum (band 25) in 15 cities: Atlanta, Athens,
Calhoun, Carrollton, Newnan and Rome, Ga.; Dallas,
Fort Worth, Granbury-Hood County, Houston,
Huntsville, San Antonio and Waco, Texas; and St.
Joseph and Kansas City, Mo.. Following its buyout of
Clearwire, Sprint additionally commercially launched
LTE TDD service in band 41 on July 19, 2013. As of
March, 2014, Sprint offered LTE service in 402 U.S.
markets. Sprint stopped selling WiMAX service
after 2012 and is deploying LTE-Advanced
technology in 800 MHz (ESMR/iDEN spectrum) from
2013 using 3GPP Release 10 in a 10x10
configuration. iDEN service was shutdown in 2013.
The Sprint Spark tri-band service (bands 25, 26, and
41), using LTE-Advanced carrier aggregation, was
launched on March 17, 2014, initially in 18 markets.
Satellite TV provider DISH Network applied to the

FCC in August 2011 for approval to deploy LTEAdvanced in S-band Mobile Satellite Services (MSS)
spectrum bought from TerreStar, added to spectrum
acquired from the purchase of satellite company
DBSD North America, for a total of 40 MHz (20002020 MHz and 2180-2200 MHz). This spectrum is
now known as AWS-4. FCC granted formal approval
to DISH on December 11, 2012 subject to specific
power level restrictions to avoid interference to the
adjacent AWS-H spectrum. AWS-H spectrum
comprises 1915 1920 MHz (uplink) and 1995
2000 MHz (downlink), and is adjacent to the PCS-G
spectrum occupied by Sprint. DISH acquired all 176
H block licences auctioned (known as Auction 96) by
the FCC at end February 2014 after more than a
month of bidding.
In early 2014 it was reported that Sprint, together

with its infrastructure vendor, had demonstrated 2.6
Gbps throughput over a single sector by aggregating
120 MHz of TDD spectrum.
DISH Network and Sprint are jointly trialing a fixed

wireless LTE TDD service in Corpus Christi, Texas
using a portion of Sprints band 41 spectrum.
Ruggedized outdoor routers are being used for the
trial. DISH Network had earlier conducted a similar
trial with nTelos Wireless using a portion of nTeloss
spectrum in band 41.
Softbank (Japan) is proceeding to buy 70% of Sprint

Nextel for $20.1bn, and has secured the necessary
regulatory and shareholder approvals.
Shenandoah Telecommunications (Shentel) is an
affiliate of Sprint Nextel having access to the latters
800 and 1900 MHz spectrum in return for building a
compatible LTE network. Shentel launched
commercial LTE service on November 23, 2012 in
Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
In May 2013 the company confirmed that LTE
coverage had reached 75% of its network footprint.
In March 2012 the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed

Rulemaking for stand-alone terrestrial services using
2 GHz MSS spectrum. If the waiver is allowed, LTEAdvanced service is not anticipated before 2016.
Greenfield operator Lightsquared is planning to
deploy the first US wholesale-only LTE network, and
selected its infrastructure supplier for deployment
using 1.4 to 1.6 GHz, mostly (46 MHz) in L-Band.
However the company must work through major
regulatory obstacles because the FCC ruled that its
proposed operating frequency interferes with GPS
and aircraft flight safety systems.
As part of a $32.1 million stimulus grant, Commnet

Wireless, LLC (subsidiary of Atlantic Tele-Network
Inc.) will develop and operate an LTE network in the
Navajo Nation. The grant, plus partial matching funds,
will provide broadband infrastructure access to the
Navajo Nation across Arizona, New Mexico and Utah,
enabling fixed and mobile service for over 30,000
households (c. 135,000 people) and 1,000
businesses in 15 of the largest communities in the
Navajo Nation, including Window Rock, Shiprock,
Lightsquared filed for bankruptcy in May 2012 in

order to try to continue operations, and has control
over its Chapter 11 status as the company continues
its reorganization efforts and tries to emerge from
bankruptcy.
March 31, 2014
Rural CDMA operator Mosaic Telecom (NW

Wisconsin) holds 700 MHz and AWS spectrum and
commercially launched LTE service in July 2011.
SRT Communications (North Dakota) is committed

to introducing LTE service and has chosen
technology partners.
NetAmerica Alliance LLC aims to help bring LTE

mobile broadband services to 700 MHz and AWS
spectrum holders for consumers and businesses in
smaller markets and rural areas. NetAmerica joins
forces with rural independent license holders
deploying new converged 4G mobile/fixed networks
and provide them with business and network services
including combined buying power, nationwide
branding, 24x7 network monitoring, core networking
elements, apps development and other key services.
www.netAmericaAlliance.com
Nortex Communications commercially launched

LTE using 700 MHz band 17 spectrum in September
2012 in a two county area of Texas.
South Georgia Regional Information Technology
Authority is deploying a 700MHz LTE system.
WiMAX operator SpeedConnect is deploying
infrastructure in Michigan that includes LTE and
WiMAX technologies.
Infrastructure Networks, a Houston-based provider
of broadband wireless networks to Critical
Infrastructure Industries, announced commercial
launch of LTE service in the Permian Basin area of
West Texas on July 25, 2012 using 700 MHz.
Network operators Etex Telephone Cooperative,

Panhandle Telephone Cooperative, Peoples
Telephone Cooperative, and S&T Telephone
Cooperative/Communications are committed to
LTE network deployments and joined NetAmerica
Alliance. On October 26, 2011, NetAmerica Alliance
announced a live LTE pilot network. NetAmerica
Alliance members are using the pilot network to
develop, test and refine operating methodologies
prior to turn-up of commercial service.
Texas Energy Network (TEN) is deploying an LTE

network, initially targeting the oil and gas industries
beginning with the Eagle Ford Shale region.
Evolve
Broadband
(a
Texas
corporation)
commercially launched LTE in 700 MHz band 17 in
February 2013. VoLTE is offered within the bundle,
however it appears to be an OTT service for selected
Android tablet users. The company now has 35%
coverage area completed (March 2014).
Peoples Telephone Cooperative commercially

launched LTE in rural Texas on February 14, 2012
having replaced its WiMAX offer with LTE in 700
MHz.
Panhandle (PTCI) owns spectrum covering six
counties comprised of more than 45,000 people,
nearly 20,000 households and covers over 7,500
square miles. PTCI commercially launched LTE
service at end March 2012, initially in rural Oklahoma;
the network consists of 45 towers covering 5,000
square miles and 30,000 population covered.
United Wireless has added LTE to its CDMA

network and deployed its LTE network in 700 MHz
band 12, planning to launch when sufficient devices
for this band are available.
US Cellular in partnership with King Street Wireless
commercially launched 700 MHz LTE service on
March 22, 2012 in selected cities in Iowa, Maine,
North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin. 92
markets had been activated by early September 2013
and 133 markets are targeted by end 2013.
O2 Secure Wireless, an Internet communications

company, has embarked on phase one of its LTE
network strategy. The company plans to provide
coverage to over 500,000 customers in under-served
or unserved markets in Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi,
Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
VTel Wireless is deploying an LTE network in rural

Vermont. On January 1, 2014 VTels first 23 wireless
sites were on-air. These sites silos, church
steeples, rooftops, and towers are currently
undergoing testing to ensure network reliability before
the launch of full commercial service this Spring. 700
MHz (band 17) and AWS (band 4) spectrum are
Public Service Wireless is deploying a 700 MHz

LTE network in central and south-west Georgia.
March 31, 2014
currently used (band 41 will be used later). 40

additional sites are under construction, to be turned
on before June 30, 2014. By mid-2015, VTel Wireless
expects to cover 95% of Vermont households with
180 sites. VTel Wireless says it is the first 4G/LTEonly network in America. Vtel is trialling VoLTE.
auction within three years of February 22, 2012. The

President would be required to clear 1755-1780 MHz
within 5 years unless it can be shown that relocation
of a particular government assignment is not possible
"without jeopardizing essential military capability." If
H.R. 4817 is enacted and the paired 50 MHz block is
auctioned and put into use in the near term, it would
be a big step toward lessening the "spectrum crunch".
West Central Wireless, subsidiary of Central Texas

Telephone Cooperative, is deploying an LTE network.
The company also uses LTE for fixed wireless
services in the 700 MHz band, though this is not used
by its mobile subscribers, but will be offered on a
wholesale basis to other carriers.
PUBLIC SAFETY Band 14 (788-798/758-768 MHz)
US CDMA regional operator Penasco Valley

Telecommunications (PVT) commercially launched
LTE under the Wireless brand using 700 MHz band
12 spectrum on May 17, 2013.
CDMA operator nTelos Wireless, which serves
Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia,
and West Virginia launched commercial service in
selected areas using AWS spectrum in late
December 2013. Rollout is continuing in 2014. nTelos
Wireless also owns spectrum in band 41.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

(LVMPD) trialling LTE in band 14.
Miami-Dade police trialling LTE in band 14
The Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications

System Board (ISICSB) issued a request for
proposals (RFP) for industry-funded, LTE public
safety
broadband
network
proof-of-concept
demonstrations (LTE PSBND), which will be used to
educate public safety and officials at the federal,
state, county, local, and tribal levels about LTE
statewide public safety wireless communications
systems. Proposals were requested by June 19, with
Iowa state planning to award a contract running from
July 1, 2012 until June 30, 2013. (GovWin blog)
On September 10, 2013 IDEN operator

SouthernLINC announced plans to build a regional
network for Southern Company electric utilities.
Construction will start in 2015 and the network should
be fully operational by 2018.
The FCC has adopted revised rules to enable

Wireless Communications Service (WCS) licensees'
to use up to 30 MHz of underutilized 2.3 GHz
spectrum for wireless broadband services. 20 MHz
may be used for mobile broadband, leaving 10 MHz
for fixed broadband, which in future may be used as a
downlink path for mobile broadband users.
On January 25, 2011 the FCC mandated LTE for first

responders
(public
safety
communications).
Mandating of a single technology by the FCC was
unprecedented. The Order and FNPRM requires all
700 MHz public safety mobile broadband networks to
use a common air interface, specifically LTE, to
support roaming and interoperable communications.
The FCC has moved the start of the 600 MHz

broadcast TV spectrum incentive auctions to mid2015 (previously scheduled for 2014). Under the
FCCs proposed rules, broadcasters would submit
bids to give up their spectrum subject to payment by
the FCC. The proposed process is voluntary only.
The City of Charlotte Council awarded a contract in

October 2011 for an LTE Public Safety Network in the
dedicated Public Safety 700 MHz band.
Canada
On April 26, 2012 two key members of the House

Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee
on Communications and Technology - Congressman
Cliff Stearns and Congresswoman Doris Matsui,
introduced a bill (H.R 4817) calling for re-purposing
and pairing of the 1755-1850 MHz band with the
internationally harmonized 2155 2180 MHz band
(FCC's AWS-3). H.R. 4817 would require pairing and
Rogers
Wireless
launched
Canadas
first
commercial LTE service on July 7, 2011 in Ottawa.
Coverage reached 60% of population (October 1,
2012) and is planned to cover 95 markets in 2103. On
September 19, 2012 Rogers announced the 2600
MHz enabled version of the LG Optimus G LTE
smartphone would be exclusively available from
10
March 31, 2014
Rogers. In April 2013 the company said it would be

first to launch the BlackBerry Q10 smartphone on its
2.6 GHz LTE spectrum. The 2600 MHz band is little
used in Canada, and is facilitated by Rogers and Bell
in their partnership company Inukshuk Wireless
which built a network using pre-WiMAX technology
but was later shelved. Rogers statement: The
Rogers LTE 2600 MHz bandwidth is in all markets
where we offer LTE AWS 2100. In most markets
where 2 x 20MHz (2600 MHz) is available, the LG
Optimus G is capable of theoretical max speeds of up
to 100 Mbps. In smaller LTE markets that have 2 x 10
MHz (2600 MHz), the LG Optimus G can reach
theoretical max speeds of up to 75Mbps. The LG
Optimus G went on sale November 13, 2012. In May
2013 Rogers launched its dual-band AWS/2.6 GHz
LTE network as LTE Max.
being successful in the upcoming 700 MHz auction.

VoLTE is being deployed. Sasktel ran a trial using
LTE TDD to help determine the feasibility of wireless
broadband and voice services for its customers in
predominantly rural locations. On September 23,
2013 SaskTel announced the commercial launch of
its High Speed Fusion Internet Service, using 2.6
GHz LTE TDD (Sasktel holds spectrum in the range
2500 2596 MHz, i.e. within band 41).
Wind Mobile confirmed its LTE trial February 2011.
Videotron is committed to deploying LTE. In May
2013 the company announced an agreement with
Rogers Wireless to jointly deploy an LTE network in
Quebec and Ottawa. Videotron may sell unused AWS
spectrum in the Greater Toronto area to Rogers from
January 2014 subject to regulatory approval.
Bell Mobility commercially launched LTE in Toronto,

Mississauga, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo and
Guelph on September 14, 2011. Currently 150 Mbps
downlink (peak) is available in some locations.
Customers outside LTE coverage fallback to DCHSPA+ or HSPA+.
Rural WiMAX operator Xplornet Communications

announced on December 8, 2011 completion of LTE
TDD tests in 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands. The trials
demonstrated a seamless LTE TDD option over
existing WiMAX infrastructure, offering a smooth
migration path from WiMAX to LTE TDD. The 3.5
GHz trial used the same band that Xplornet uses for
WiMAX. The current network has 380 tower sites
(early 2013). The 2.6 GHz trial was enabled by a
development license from regulator Industry Canada.
EastLink simultaneously commercially launched

HSPA+ and LTE services in 2100 MHz spectrum
(AWS) on February 15, 2013.
Telus launched commercial LTE service on February
10, 2012. Coverage has reached nearly 80% of the
population (October 2013). The company plans to
commercially launch VoLTE in Q2 2014. Telus has
received regulatory approval to take over CDMA
operator Public Mobile and use its 1900 MHz Gblock spectrum.
Industry Canada started an auction of 700 MHz,

aligning with US band plan, on January 14, 2014. 97
licences were auctioned raising almost 5 billion USD.
Spectrum can be used from mid-April 2014.
Results: http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=816869
An auction of BRS spectrum (2500 2690 MHz) is
scheduled to begin April 15, 2015.
MTS Allstream commercially launched LTE service

on September 25, 2012 in Manitoba. LTE service is
also available in Winnipeg and Brandon. On June 13,
2013 MTS and Rogers Wireless announced an LTE
network sharing agreement in Manitoba.
Antigua and Barbuda

Digicel commercially launched LTE in 700 MHz
(band 17) on November 6, 2012. LTE covers 88% of
the population (August 2013).
SaskTel launched commercial LTE service in 2100

MHz (AWS) spectrum on January 31, 2013 in Regina,
Saskatoon, Clavet, Dundurn, Langham, Lumsden,
Martensville, Osler, Pense, Vanscoy, Warman, and
White City. In 2013 the LTE network was extended to
Dalmeny, Balgonie, Estevan, Moose Jaw, North
Battleford, Prince Albert, Swift Current, Weyburn and
Yorkton. Future phases are dependent on SaskTel
Argentina
Telefonica Movistar completed lab trials of LTE in
March 2010, and a field trial in 2010 in Buenos Aires,
in AWS spectrum.
11
March 31, 2014
Personal tested LTE in Puerto Madero (June 2010),

and in December 2010 announced a trial in Cordoba.
According to reports, LTE service is now available in

all 339 municipalities.
Regulator SECOM announced on September 5, 2012

it would allocate to state-owned operator Arsat all the
850 MHz and 1900 MHz spectrum returned by
Movistar when parent Telefonica bought some of the
assets of former operator Movicom from Bell South.
Tigo (Telecel) acquired 2 x 12 MHz of spectrum in

the 700 MHz band in July 2013 and is currently
deploying an LTE network. Tigo also acquired
spectrum in the 1900 MHz and AWS bands in 2013.
Brazil
According to reports, spectrum in the AWS band will

be auctioned for LTE network deployments.
The auction of 2.6 GHz LTE spectrum by regulator

Anatel was concluded on June 12, 2012 with the
winners being (2 x 20 MHz MHz), Claro (2 x 20
MHz), TIM (2 x 10 MHz) and Oi (2 x 10 MHz). As no
separate bids for 450 MHz spectrum were made,
regulator Anatel bundled the unsold channels with the
new 2.6 GHz concessions. The auction included
spectrum suitable for TDD deployments, acquired by
Sky
Brasil
Servicos
and
Sunrise
Telecomunicacoes, the latter for Sao Paulo state.
Aruba
Setar NV commercially launched LTE1800 service
using 20 MHz bandwidth on November 6, 2013. Setar
describe its HSPA+ service as 4G.
Bahamas
The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority
(URCA) on August 13, 2012 awarded a 15 years 700
MHz license (24 MHz) with coverage obligations to
BTC who commercially launched LTE service in New
Providence (the most populated island) in December
2013. BTC announced coverage had been extended
to The Bahamas next most populated islands i.e.
Grand Bahama, Abaco, and Eleuthera in February
2014, with more islands to be covered in 2014. BTC
has exclusivity in mobile services to April 2014.
Sky Brasil Servicos commercially launched 2.6 GHz

LTE TDD (band 38) in Brasilia on December 13, 2011
Sunrise changed its name to On Telecomunicacoes
and commercially launched 2.6 GHz LTE TDD
service in band 38 in Itatiba, Louveira, Valinhos and
Vinhedo in March 2013. This will serve as a test bed
for possible expansion to all of Sao Paulo state.
Claro commercially launched LTE FDD service on
December 13, 2012 in Recife, Campos do Jordao,
Buzios and Parat, using 2.6 GHz spectrum. Service
was subsequently opened in Curitiba on January 29,
2013 and Porto Alegre on March 7, 2013. By midNovember 2013 service had reached 23 cities.
Cable TV operator Cable Bahamas Limited (CBL) is

also expected to receive a license an enquiry has
been made by GSA to URCA for confirmation.
Belize
Oi commercially launched LTE service on April 25,

2013 in Rio de Janeiro.
BTL (DigiCell) is deploying an LTE upgrade to its

GSM network.
TIM Brasil commercially launched LTE service on

April 30, 2013 in the six Confederations Cup venues.
Coverage was extended to 79 districts of Sao Paulo
by July 2013.
Bermuda
Fixed
telecoms
operator
North
Rock
Communications has requested an LTE license.
Bolivia
TIM Brasil and Oi use shared LTE network

infrastructure in the cities hosting the Confederations
Cup matches.
Entel Movil commercially launched a USB modembased post-paid LTE service on December 16, 2012
in La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz in 700 MHz.
Oi and Portugal Telecom have agreed to merge.
12
March 31, 2014
Vivo commercially launched LTE on April 30, 2013 in

Sao Paulo and the 6 Confederations Cup venues and
planned to cover 72 cities by end December 2013.
spectrum in the 2.6 GHz auction. The other

incumbents, Nextel and VTR, did not bid.
Claro commercially launched LTE on June 27, 2013
in the Santiago metro area using 2.6 GHz spectrum.
Coverage was expanded nationally in October 2013.
The Sao Paulo military police force is testing LTE

in 700 MHz, trialling with 5 base stations.
The Brazil Army is testing LTE in 700MHz for public
security solutions. The network was installed in
September 2011 at two sites in Brasilia covering
Esplanada dos Ministrios, and Communications
Center and the Army Electronic Warfare (CCOMGEX)
CPqD tested LTE in 450 MHz reportedly
Campinas. Tests were also made using 2.6 GHz.
Movistar commercially launched LTE in 2.6 GHz on

November 14, 2013 in all regional capital cities and is
targeting 200,000 customers within a year of launch.
Entel PCS commercially launched LTE on March 28,
2014 using 2.6 GHz spectrum initially deployed on
803 sites.
in
Claro, Entel and Movistar each won APT700 band

spectrum by auction in February 2014.
Algar Telecom (CTBC) has conducted LTE trials in

850 MHz and 1800 MHz. Regulatory approval is
needed for commercial services in these frequencies.
Colombia
Nextel plans to launch LTE in some cities in 2014

starting with Rio de Janeiro.
UNE-EPM launched commercial LTE service on June

14, 2012 in 2.6 GHz in Bogot and Medelln.
Coverage extended to 40 cities by end 2013 by which
time around 200,000 subscriptions were activated.
Anatel auctioned 15 lots of spectrum sub-bands on

December 6, 2011 for USD 132.7 million. 39 lots
were not auctioned, including 29 for WiMAX. TIM,
Oi and Sercomtel bought spectrum in the 1800 MHz
band. Claro bought spectrum in the 800 MHz band.
The Ministry of ICT (MinTIC) auctioned new spectrum

in June 2013, offering:
3 blocks of 30 MHz each in the AWS band;
one block reserved for new players
3 blocks of 30 MHz and 1 block of 40 MHz in
2.6 GHz spectrum; 1 block for new players
5 MHz of 3G/1.9 GHz also offered
Discussions are planned on the use of 700 MHz after

digital TV switchover (2016). Anatel adopted the
APT700 FDD band plan in February 2013 and has
indicated an auction could be held in April-May 2014.
3.5 GHz spectrum may be auctioned later. There
were approaching 1 million LTE subscriptions in
Brazil by end 2013.
- Movistar won 30 MHz in AWS band

- ETB and Tigo consortium won 30 MHz in AWS band
- Avantel won 30 MHz in AWS band
- DirecTV won one 30 MHz and one 40 MHz block of
2.6 GHz spectrum
- Claro won 30 MHz in 2.6 GHz band
Cayman Islands
Digicel commercially launched LTE service using
1800 MHz (LTE1800 band 3) spectrum on November
28, 2013. The company also has 700 MHz band 13
(paired Block C Upper) spectrum.
The auction of 1900 MHz spectrum was declared void

Movistar and Tigo both commercially launched LTE
on December 2, 2013 using AWS spectrum.
LIME Cayman commercially launched LTE service

using 700 MHz (band 17) on November 29, 2013.
The proposed merger between Tigo and UNE-EPM

is expected to be formally completed by mid-2014.
ETB has agreed to sell a stake in Colombia Movil
including 15 MHz of 2.6 GHz spectrum to Tigo.
Chile
Regulator Subtel announced in July 2012 that
Movistar, Entel and Claro had each won 2 x 20 MHz
13
March 31, 2014
Claro commercially launched LTE on February 13,

2014 using 2.6 GHz (band 7) spectrum, in Bogota.
Claro said half the countrys population will be
covered within 90 days. 20 LTE-enabled handsets
were offered at launch.
WiMAX operator Wind Telecom has confirmed

plans to deploy an LTE TDD network in its current 2.6
GHz i.e. band 38 spectrum.
Regulator Indotel adopted the APT700 FDD band
plan in 2013.
New-entrant Avantel has announced its LTE network

infrastructure partner.
Ecuador
Regulator ANE adopted the APT700 band plan on

May 30, 2012.
The Telecommunication and Information Society

Ministry
(MINTEL)
announced
the
National
Broadband Plan is to be strengthened to assist
development of high speed Internet access to
underserved areas. New measures include a
resolution to implement LTE in all regions.
Considering the benefits of the new mobile
technologies, the Telecommunication and Information
Society Ministry (MINTEL) and the National Secretary
of Telecommunications (SENATEL) organized
various events to demonstrate new mobile
technologies like LTE, in order to increase the
technological
and
social
development.
The
government seeks to publicize the benefits of the new
mobile technologies to the society in general.
Costa Rica
ICE launched a pilot service trial for selected
customers in June 2013 in San Jose, using dongles
in 2.6 GHz spectrum. Data-only commercial service
for dongles and tablets was launched in 110 districts
on November 25, 2013 using the klbi Ultra brand.
Support for LTE smartphones was offered from early
March 2014.
Movistar is deploying LTE, targeting launch 1H 2014.
Claro plans to commercially launch LTE1800 service
on April 1, 2014.
CONATEL advised GSA about several LTE-focused

events and trials held or planned in Ecuador. With
LTE comes the opportunity to deploy networks and
services, in some areas for the first time. The
government has developed the National Broadband
Plan, whose main objective is to provide Internet
services in underserved areas and technologically
isolated amongst the main goals, to achieve by 2017
at least 75% of Ecuador's population with access to
broadband. To help fulfill these goals and objectives,
CONATEL approved the re-allocation of frequency
bands for the introduction of IMT systems as follows:
700 MHz band: 90 MHz
AWS band: 120 MHz
2.5/2.6 GHz band: 190 MHz
Regulator Sutel has been requested to examine

allocating new 1800 MHz and 2.1 GHz spectrum.
Pan Latin American WiMAX operator IBW
International, with operations in Costa Rica, El
Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua is planning to
migrate to 2.3 GHz LTE TDD technology.
Sutel recommended adoption of the APT700 FDD
band plan in 2012.
Dominican Republic
Orange Dominicana launched commercial LTE
dongle-based service in Santo Domingo on July 9,
2012, using 1800 MHz spectrum (LTE1800).
With this decision, Ecuador continues taking concrete

steps leading to the introduction of new technologies
to promote broadband access. (This information was
kindly provided to GSA by CONATEL August 2012).
CDMA operator Tricom commercially launched LTE

using 1900 MHz (band 2) spectrum on March 18,
2013 covering the National District, metropolitan zone
of Santiago and other principal cities.
CONATEL confirmed its adoption of the APT 700

MHz FDD band plan in October 2012.
State-owned operator CNT was allocated 30 MHz of
APT700 spectrum (band 28) and 40 MHz in the AWS
14
March 31, 2014
band for its LTE network. CNT commercially

launched LTE in the main cities of Quito and
Guayaquil in the 3rd week of December 2013 in AWS
spectrum, ahead of a wider market launch in 2014.
The company said VoLTE deployment would begin in
March or April 2014.
Guatemala
Regulator SIT said suitable bands for LTE include
800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, AWS, and 2.1 GHz.
International, operating in Costa Rica, El Salvador,
Guatemala, and Nicaragua is planning to migrate its
operations to 2.3 GHz LTE TDD technology.
CONATEL ordered the formation of an Interagency

Commission to define the conditions and demands
that a public operator should meet for using spectrum
and consistent with the National Broadband Plan and
Good Living Plan. CONATEL requested the
Interagency Commission to present alternatives for
allocating spectrum to private operators (established
or incoming) in the bands currently allocated in the
National Frequency Plan for IMT services.
Movistar is deploying an LTE network, targeting

commercial launch in Q2 2014.
Honduras
Regulator CONATEL has granted AWS (band 4)
spectrum suitable for 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE
deployments to Claro, Hondutel and Tigo. LTE
coverage is required to reach 15% of the territory by
2016, equivalent to the major cities.
According to reports, Movistar and Claro have each

requested an extension to their 1900 MHz frequency
allocations. Movistar and Claro both deployed
WCDMA-HSPA networks in their 850 MHz
allocations, and GSM using 1900 MHz.
Jamaica
The regulator is planning a sale of 700 MHz spectrum
for LTE when operator interest is confirmed.
El Salvador
Guatemala, and Nicaragua, is planning to migrate its
Martinique
Outremer Telecom is committed to deploying an
LTE network. Applications for 4G LTE licences will be
invited in 1H 2014.
Regulator SIGET is auctioning spectrum in the AWS

and 1900 MHz bands, beginning November 27, 2013.
See SIGET for official notice about the process:
http://www.siget.gob.sv/images/documentos/telecomu
nicaciones/SIGET%206%20de%20Nov.pdf
Mexico
On September 21, 2012 regulator COFETEL
confirmed adoption of the APT700 digital dividend
band plan. GSA welcomes this important
development that provided a strong signal to the Latin
American region - comment: This clearly shows how
critical regulators view international harmonization
and spectrum efficiency as being. Countries need to
move forward in a concerted and harmonized way to
meet the requirements on economies of scale for
devices and capacity for mobile broadband.
But it is understood that the auction has been

temporarily suspended.
French Guiana
invited in 1H 2014.
Telefnica Movistar commercially launched LTE in

AWS spectrum on October 15, 2012 in Ciudad de
Mxico, and later in Guadalajara and Monterrey.
Guadeloupe
invited in 1H 2014.
Telefnica and Iusacell agreed a network sharing

arrangement.
15
March 31, 2014
Telcel commercially launched LTE in AWS band for

post-paid customers on November 6, 2012 in Mexico
City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Queretaro, Puebla,
Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana, Hermosillo and Merida.
Peru
Ministerio de Transporte y Comunicaciones del Per
has auctioned 2 blocks of AWS spectrum for LTE
deployments which were won by Telefonica Moviles
and Americatel Peru (Entel). Coverage conditions are
attached, including a requirement to cover 234 district
capitals with LTE within 6 years, and to ensure
coverage in a number of cities by mid-2016.
Additional spectrum may be auctioned in 2014.
Nextel de Mexico plans to launch LTE in mid-2014.

The government plans to auction 700 MHz and 2.6
GHz spectrum. In August 2012 the government said it
would not renew spectrum held in the 2.5/2.6 GHz
band which would be recalled on expiry.
Movistar commercially launched LTE service in parts

of Lima on January 2, 2014. The company started
marketing activities and promoting devices on
November 23, 2013.
Nicaragua
Pan Latin American WiMAX() operator IBW
Guatemala, and Nicaragua is planning to migrate its
Nextel del Peru has selected its infrastructure

supplier and is deploying an LTE network.
Panama
Claro did not win AWS spectrum and announced that

its LTE network would be deployed in 1900 MHz.
Cable and Wireless Panama is planning to deploy an

LTE network and has identified a network partner.
The company has spectrum allocations in the 700
MHz, 850 MHz, and 1900 MHz bands.
Viettel is constructing a mobile network. Technology

details are awaited.
Puerto Rico
Panama confirmed its adoption of the APT700 FDD

band plan in October 2012.
AT&T Puerto Rico launched commercial LTE service

in 700 MHz on November 20, 2011 in San Juan, and
in Guayama, San German and Yauco in 2012. AT&T
also owns 2.6 GHz spectrum.
Paraguay
Personal commercially launched LTE service in
refarmed 1900 MHz on February 8, 2013 in Asuncion
and surrounding areas. Network expansion depends
on access to more spectrum.
Claro commercially launched 700 MHz LTE service

on November 24, 2011 and one year later offered
service for dongle, smartphone and tablet users. By
end 2013 coverage reached 18 cities.
Vox (Copaco) launched commercial LTE service in

AWS spectrum on February 18, 2013. Initially Vox
launched service with 109 sites of which 89 served
Asuncion and the metro area, 14 were in Ciudad del
Este, 5 in Encarnacin and 1 in Pilar.
CDMA operator Open Mobile launched 700 MHz

commercial LTE service on April 19, 2012.
Sprint Nextel announced commercial launch on
December 18, 2012 in 1900 MHz spectrum.
Tigo is planning to deploy LTE in 2.6 GHz spectrum

acquired from Grupo Clarin.
T Mobile USA commercially launched LTE in AWS

spectrum on July 11, 2013. Population coverage
reached 60% by mid-October 2013.
Regulator CONATEL plans to auction AWS spectrum

in 1H 2014.
Aeronet Wireless Broadband is deploying a LTE

TDD network for backbone and customer access
using leased 2.6 GHz band 41 spectrum.
16
March 31, 2014
Saint Maarten (Saint-Martin)
In May 2012 the government passed a Decree

governing DTT implementation. Analog switch off is
planned to take place on November 21, 2015.
Regulator Bureau of Telecommunication and Post of

Saint Maarten launched a consultation about the use
of LTE and which bands to allocate, taking account of
European, North Americans and the APT700 band
plans. Comments were due by November 1, 2013.
In March 2013 regulator URSEC announced that an

award of spectrum had been made to the 3
incumbent mobile operators following a tender
process for 900 MHz, 1900 MHz and AWS spectrum.
In 2013 French regulator ARCEP granted 800 MHz

LTE test spectrum covering the islands of Saint
Martin, Guadeloupe and Saint Barthelemy to
Dauphin Telecom. Applications for 4G LTE licences
will be invited in 1H 2014.
Movistar won 4 blocks of 1900 MHz spectrum

Claro won 2 blocks of 1900 MHz and 2 blocks
of AWS spectrum
No bids were made for 900 MHz. Antel did not take
part in the auction and had to pay for reserved
spectrum of 1 block in 900 MHz and 4 blocks of AWS.
Trinidad and Tobago

Regulator TATT issued a Request for Proposals
initiating a competitive authorization process
including:
Claro commercially launched LTE in Montevideo

using AWS (band 4) spectrum on February 13, 2014.
a) Provision Of A Public Domestic Mobile

Telecommunications
Network
And
Public
Telecommunications Services By A Potential 3rd
Mobile Operator;
b) Award Of 800 MHz And 1900 MHz Spectrum To
Eligible Mobile Operator(s); and
c) Award Of 700 MHz Spectrum To Mobile Operators
Movistar is committed to deploy an LTE network.
Deadline for responses = March 31, 2014.
Sprint commercially launched its band 25 LTE

network on April 17, 2013.
Wireless broadband company Dedicado is planning

to invest US$ 5 million in deployment of 4Motion
network using WiMAX and LTE in 3.5 GHz.
US Virgin Islands
Digicel T&T plans to be the first LTE operator in the

country and will respond to the document.
AT&T Mobility commercially launched band 17 LTE

on St Croix and St Thomas on July 2, 2013.
Turks & Caicos Islands
Venezuela
In February 2013 Digicel (700 MHz Lower B and C)

and Islandcom (700 MHz Upper C) received licences
to deploy commercial LTE networks.
Regulator Conatel issued an invitation for the

allocation of 35 MHz paired spectrum bands:
Digicel plans 75% population coverage within 18

months and 98% within 30 months.
1930-1940 MHz paired with 1850-1860 MHz (band 2)

LIME did not win a licence.
Digitel was awarded 30 MHz of spectrum in 1800

MHz and 1900 MHz. Movilnet and Movistar each
received 20 MHz of extra spectrum in those bands
Uruguay
Antel commercially launched LTE on December 13,
2011 in AWS spectrum in Montevideo and Punta del
Este. Antel has requested access to 700 MHz for LTE
and announced plans for nationwide deployment.
Digitel commercially launched LTE service using

1800 MHz (LTE1800) on July 31, 2013 for post-paid
consumers and business users. Full commercial
launch took place on September 9, 2013.
17
March 31, 2014
Movilnet uses band 2 for HSPA and is testing LTE.
Advanced carrier aggregation of 40 MHz over 1800

MHz and 2600 MHz spectrum on its live commercial
network.
WiMAX operator Movilmax has a nationwide

license with 48 MHz of 2.6 GHz spectrum and
announced the company is migrating to LTE.
Some 2100 MHz spectrum will also be used in the

LTE network. Telstra also acquired new APT700 and
2.6 GHz spectrum in the auction.
On December 2, 2013 Conatel launched an auction

for 80 MHz of paired spectrum comprising 4 blocks of
2.6 GHz and 2 blocks of AWS which may be used for
LTE. Bids are required by December 30, 2013.
In October 2013 Telstra announced completion of

what it claimed was the worlds first LTE Broadcast
session on a commercial LTE network.
Cofetel adopted the APT700 FDD band plan in April

2013.
Optus conducted an LTE1800 trial in Newcastle and

Hunter Valley areas of New South Wales.
Commercial LTE service launch for small business,
enterprise and government customers in Sydney and
Perth was confirmed on July 31, 2012 using
LTE1800, before a wider launch on September 4,
2012. The Optus 4G (LTE1800) network now covers
areas of Adelaide, Sydney, Perth, Newcastle,
Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Optus is
trialling HD voice and VoLTE.
Asia Pacific and Oceania

Afghanistan
Etisalat Afghanistan claims completion of an LTE
trial. The regulatory position is unclear.
Australia
Optus acquired Vivid Wireless giving access to 98

MHz of 2.3 GHz spectrum and commercially
launched LTE TDD service in the Canberra area on
June 6, 2013. Dual mode (FDD and TDD) devices
were offered by the company at launch. The company
has since added LTE TDD coverage for Melbourne,
Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide. On December 19,
2013 Optus announced they had paired two 20 MHz
channels of its 2.3 GHz spectrum in Melbourne. In
initial testing, peak speeds of over 160 Mbps to a
single device were achieved. Optus claimed the test
is "the first time in the world that 4G carrier
aggregation has been introduced into a live LTE TDD
network, not a lab". Optus 4G Plus is live in parts of
Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and
Sydney, and customers with compatible terminals
devices can connect in either FDD 1800 MHz or TDD
2300 MHz modes.
All three mobile operators have deployed LTE1800.

Telstra commercially launched LTE1800 service on
September 27, 2011 in capital city CBDs (central
business districts) and more than 30 regional and
metropolitan centers. The NextG network upgrade
uses Telstras existing 1800 MHz spectrum refarmed
to deliver LTE to areas where traffic demand is most
concentrated and is integrated with Telstras existing
HSPA+ service in the 850MHz band. Telstra offers
dual mode LTE/HSPA+ mobile broadband devices for
seamless operation across 1800 MHz and 850 MHz.
Telstra is trialling IMS but says it will not rush into
voice until coverage is ubiquitous on the LTE layer.
Telstra announced activation of its 3,500th LTE base
station in December 2013. The company claimed 3.2
million LTE subscriptions by September 2013.
Population coverage increased from 66% in June
2013 to 85% by December 2013.
Optus acquired new APT700 and 2.6 GHz spectrum

in the 2013 auction see below and has been
granted Australia's first outdoor metro trial licences
for 4G in 2.6 GHz spectrum. Optus said that they will
be testing for compatibility of the new spectrum with
the latest devices and with television broadcasters.
In February 2013 Telstra announced plans to deploy

LTE in re-farmed 900 MHz spectrum some sites are
running already - and is currently trialling LTEAdvanced technologies. In July 2013 Telstra
demonstrated carrier aggregation using 900 MHz and
1800 MHz spectrum. Telstra has successfully
demonstrated speeds up to 300 Mbps with LTE
Vodafone confirmed results of its first LTE1800 trial

in Q4 2010 in Newcastle, NSW using 10 MHz of 1800
18
March 31, 2014
MHz. A second trial in Sydney followed. In September

2011 the company announced that an agreement
with the Australasian Railway Association, which
holds licences for 1800 MHz spectrum, to create
contiguous blocks of spectrum in NSW, Victoria and
South Australia, had been approved by the Australian
Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
Vodafone commercially launched LTE1800 service
for existing customers already having their own
compatible LTE device on June 12, 2013 in selected
metro areas of Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide,
Brisbane; and Newcastle and Wollongong. The LTE
service was opened to new customers on July 10,
2013. In January 2014 the company announced 1
million LTE devices were connected. Cat 4 (150
Mbps) devices were offered in January 2014 (dongle
and portable hotspot).
APT700 band winners:

Optus 2 x 10 MHz; Telstra 2 x 20 MHz
NBN Co was established to design, build and operate

the national broadband network and launched LTE
TDD commercial wholesale services to customers on
2 April, 2012. There are currently 15 service providers
who are accredited to provide services over the
network and NBN Co is installing services for them
across four locations in Australia, expanding to a
national footprint covering 4% of the population by the
end of 2015. This locks in with the same product set
being offered over fibre and satellite to make the total
picture of 100% population coverage. Retail price
packages are available from *SkyMesh, iiNet, and
Activ8Me (source: NBN Co provided to GSA)
ACMA is consulting on proposals for prioritizing more

spectrum for mobile broadband including changing
the status of the 3.4 3.6 GHz band to primary from
secondary, and is suitable for LTE. ACMA is also
evaluating the merits of using the 400 MHz band for
interoperable government wireless communications.
ACMA is consulting on how to allocate the unsold
block of 700 MHz; comments were due July 19, 2013.
2.6 GHz band winners:

Optus 2 x 20 MHz; Telstra 2 x 40 MHz
TPG Internet 2 x 10 MHz
http://engage.acma.gov.au/digitaldividend/digitaldividend-auction-results/
In January 2014 Telstra announced tests using
APT700 spectrum on its live network had been
successfully completed. The first call was made
across two test sites using a pre-release phone.
TPG Internet is a nationwide fixed telecoms service
provider and holds international assets (submarine
cable). The company plans to deploy LTE.
Bangladesh
The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications
published a draft proposal for awarding 6 combined
3G and LTE licences; 50 MHz of 1900 MHz spectrum
in five lots of 10 MHz paired is being made available.
EnergyAustralias Ausgrid trialled an LTE platform

at 15 sites in 2011, with the intent to migrate to a full
LTE network. EnergyAustralia was chosen by the
Government to lead the Smart Grid, Smart City
demonstration project to test Australias first fully
integrated, commercial-scale smart grid.
www.mopt.gov.bd/all%20backup/Draft_3G_4G_LTE_Guideline.pdf
Regulator BTRC confirmed in July 2013 that

WiMAX operators will be allowed to deploy LTE
TDD networks in their 2.6 GHz (band 38) spectrum
subject to formal application and payment of
additional fees.
WiMAX operator BigAir manages one of the

largest metropolitan fixed wireless networks in
Australia and plans to deploy an LTE system.
Banglalion, Qubee (both unpaired spectrum) have

been granted approval and plan trials.
An auction by ACMA of APT700 spectrum (for use

from January 1, 2015) and 2.6 GHz spectrum (use
from October 1, 2014 in most places) began April 23,
2013. The results were given on May 7, 2013. All 3
bidders won spectrum, raising total revenues of
nearly AUS$2 billion.
3.5 GHz WiMAX operator Ollo/BIEL has acquired

a BWA license using 2.6 GHz spectrum allowing LTE
to be deployed.
Wateen and Qubee announced in December 2013
plans to merge their respective WiMAX operations,
subject to regulatory approval.
VHA withdrew before the auction started.
19
March 31, 2014
South Asian Telecom Regulatory Council (SATRC)

announced in May 2013 that Bangladesh adopted the
APT 700 MHz FDD band plan.
In June 2013 China Mobile issued a huge tender for

deployment covering 31 provinces with 207,000 LTE
TDD base stations across the country. It is estimated
that this deployment will extend the area of service
testing from 15 cities to some 100 cities (500 million
people). Contracts worth a total of CNY 20bn
($3.27bn) were subsequently awarded to nine
vendors.
Bhutan
Bhutan Telecom commercially launched its LTE1800
service on October 24, 2013 in the capital, Thimpu.
An announcement by the South Asian Telecom
Regulatory Council (SATRC) in May 2013 confirmed
that Bhutan is adopting the APT 700 MHz FDD band
plan.
210 MHz of spectrum for LTE TDD services has been

allocated, according to Xie Feibo, (MIIT), speaking at
ITU Telecom World in Bangkok (November 2013):
130 MHz of TDD spectrum for 326 cities in

1880-1900 MHz (band 39), 2320-2370 MHz
(band 40), and 2575-2635 MHz (band 41) to
China Mobile
40 MHz of TDD spectrum for 55 cities

comprising 2300-2320 MHz and 2555-2575
MHz to China Unicom
40 MHz of TDD spectrum for 42 cities

comprising 2370-2390 MHz and 2635-2655
MHz to China Telecom
Brunei
DST commercially launched LTE1800 service on
November 15, 2013.
Regulator AITI adopted the APT700 FDD band plan
in June 2013.
Cambodia
Smart Axiata commercially launched LTE1800 on
January 22, 2014 in several indoor locations in parts
of Phnom Penh.
LTE TDD operating licences were issued by MIIT to

China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom
on December 4, 2013.
China
China Mobile built its TD-SCDMA network so that
sites and other elements are reusable for LTE TDD.
China Mobile ran a pilot of LTE TDD technology until
September 2011 using 850 base stations in 6 cities in
Phase 1 working with several infrastructure, devices
and chipset vendors. This followed a large-scale
showcase trial network during the 2010 World Expo in
Shanghai. The second phase of trials involved 15
cities and 7 suppliers. The network has been
extended to over 100 large and medium size cities
with > 200,000 base stations, covering 500 million
people. In June 2013, 5,000 users begin testing the
newly deployed LTE TDD network in Shanghai where
1,000 base stations - 700 outdoors and 300 indoors
have been deployed initially covering the Inner Ring
region, later extending to the whole city by the 2013.
China Mobile commercially launched LTE TDD on

December 18, 2013 in Beijing, Guangzhou and
Chongqing using band 39, band 40, and band 41.
China Mobile is expected to purchase 50 to 60 million
user terminals in 2014.
China Telecom commercially launched LTE TDD
service in bands 40 and 41 on February 14, 2014,
initially offering service in almost 100 cities. More
than 10 data devices (dongles, portable hotspots,
CPE) were offered at launch with 7 pricing plans.
China Unicom commercially launched LTE TDD
service in bands 40 and 41 on March 18, 2014 in 25
cities, and plans to cover 100 cities by end 2014.
China Telecom and China Unicom also wish to
deploy the FDD mode in a later phase.
China Mobile has 1.9 GHz, 2.0 GHz, 2.3 GHz and 2.6
GHz bands (classified as F, A, E and D bands). Trials
use the D and F bands.
According to reports, MIIT is planning to allocate 30

MHz of paired 1800 MHz spectrum to China
20
March 31, 2014
Telecom and 25 MHz of paired 2.1 GHz spectrum to

China Unicom for FDD deployments.
Genius Brand is deploying a city-wide LTE network of

approximately 2,000 base stations on which
Hutchison and PCCW operate their respective
commercial LTE services.
On November 13, 2013 China Mobile, working with

SK Telecom, completed the first FDD TDD VoLTE
interoperability tests. China Mobile has deployed
VoLTE supporting eSRVCC on its LTE TDD network
in Guanghzou.
PCCW launched commercial LTE service using 2.6

GHz on April 25, 2012. Its Mobile (+Wi-Fi) broadband
service Netvigator Everywhere is supported by
territory-wide 42Mbps DC-HSPA+ service integrated
with the companys 100 Mbps Wi-Fi (almost 10,000
hotspots) in an auto-connect/ traffic off-load
arrangement. LTE using 1800 MHz (LTE1800) was
brought into commercial service in September 2012.
From January 22, LTE coverage included the major
MTR lines (the Hong Kong underground train
network). In June 2013 PCCW announced its LTE
network had been upgraded to Cat 4 operation
(theoretical peak downlink 150 Mbps). In June 2013
PCCW activated additional 2.6 GHz spectrum raising
the total in service in 2.6 GHz to 2x 20 MHz alongside
offering new Cat 4 user devices. In November 2013
PCCW announced deployment of VoLTE capability
on its network including eSRVCC for commercial
launch by end 2013.
The government is also considering 1.4 GHz and 3.5

GHz spectrum for TD-LTE allocation, as well as
exploring the application of 50 GHz and beyond to
meet future demand of mobile broadband. Band 42
(3.5 GHz) is an important future band for China.
In Hong Kong SAR, 2 x 15 MHz blocks of 2.6 GHz
spectrum were obtained via auction each by China
Mobile HK (Peoples Phone), Genius Brand
(Hutchison Telecom/PCCW JV) and CSL Limited.
On November 25, 2010 CSL Limited commercially
launched its combined LTE2600/1800/DC-HSPA+
network for corporate services, extended to all
customers on May 16, 2011. LTE1800 sites have
been added incrementally. Although the first LTE1800
site was on air at the initial launch, now LTE1800 is
more widely available in several in-building locations
and in general commercial use (shown in this report
to be from November 2011 as advised to us by CSL).
On July 3, 2013 CSL announced it had brought into
service another 50% of 1800 MHz spectrum across
most of the network, expanding in-service 1800 MHz
LTE bandwidth to 215 MHz. CSL also uses 20 MHz
of paired 2.6 GHz spectrum for LTE and offers a Cat
4 personal hotspot. CSL will continue to expand its
1800 MHz allocation to 20 MHz and thus offer 2 x 20
MHz on both 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands across
the territory by 2014. CA with 20 MHz on LTE1800
(B3) and 20 MHz on LTE2600 (B7) is being trialled.
The company intends to have its network ready for
LTE Advanced 300 Mbps (Cat 6) service in 2014 with
test devices. CSL expects commercial Cat 6 devices
to be available for commercial launch of the service in
2H 2014. VoLTE was soft-launched on December 5,
2013; tests with handsets are continuing. Pricing for
commercial service will be unveiled in 1H 2014.
Hutchison 3 HK is deploying a combined LTE FDD

and TDD network and in the first phase launched its
commercial LTE FDD service using 2.6 GHz
spectrum on May 2, 2012. LTE using 1800 MHz
(LTE1800) was brought into commercial service in
October 2012. The LTE TDD mode is expected to
enter service in 2013.
SmarTone announced commercial LTE1800 launch
on August 28, 2012 with service available to selected
customers by invitation, then generally available to
customers on September 11. The company confirmed
that LTE coverage would be available at the first MTR
underground station (at Admiralty) on October 15,
2012. Rollout across all MTR stations and adjoining
tunnels is expected to be completed in early 2013.
On February 6, 2012 regulator OFCA announced the
auction results after 6 bidding rounds for 90 MHz of
2.3 GHz spectrum for BWA services, divided into 3 x
30 MHz blocks. 30 MHz blocks were won each by
Hutchison Telephone Company Limited, China
Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited, and new
entrant 21 ViaNet Group Limited.
Telstra has agreed to sell CSL Limited to Hong

Kong Telecom (HKT) for US$2.4 billion, subject to
regulatory and other approvals. PCCW is the holding
company of HKT Group.
21
March 31, 2014
China Mobile HK launched commercial LTE FDD

services in 2.6 GHz on April 25, 2012 and
commercially launched 2.3 GHz LTE TDD in
December 2012. The worlds first bi-directional
handover between LTE FDD and TDD on a live
network was announced by Ericsson and China
Mobile HK on June 20, 2012.
occurs. Sites are located in the villages of Agana,

Agana Heights, Asan, Agat, Barrigada, Chalan Pago,
Dededo, Mangilao, Sinajana, Tamuning, Tumon and
Yigo. Plans are underway to expand 4G LTE
coverage areas in 2014.
OFCA auctioned spectrum in the 2.6 GHz range,

offering five blocks of 2 x 5 MHz in the 2515 2540
MHz and 2635 2660 MHz range. The auction
involved 5 bidders (China Mobile Hong Kong, China
Unicom (Hong Kong), CSL Limited, Genius Brand,
and SmarTone), beginning on March 18, 2013 and
ending on March 19, 2013 after 18 rounds of bidding.
China Unicom failed to gain any spectrum.
The 2.3 GHz BWA auction began with 11 companies

bidding for 2 blocks in each of the 22 circles. The
government had earlier allocated one 20 MHz
unpaired spectrum block each to MTNL and BSNL.
Fiji
Qualcomm and Bharti Airtel won 4 circles each.

Qualcomm gained spectrum in the key circles of
Delhi, Mumbai, Haryana and Kerala, announced
Global Holding Corporation and Tulip Telecom as
initial shareholders for its LTE venture for network
deployment, and started trials. In May 2012 it was
announced that Bharti Airtel would buy 49% of the
Qualcomm license (Qualcomm Asia Pacific QAP),
comprising the 26% owned by Global Holding
Corporation and Tulip Telecom, plus a further 23% of
the company (according to reports, as a first step to
taking full ownership in 2014). Bharti Airtel
subsequently raised its share to 51%. Bharti Airtel
has BWA licences in four other circles - Kolkata,
Karnataka, Punjab and Maharashtra. Bharti Airtel is a
member of the Global TD-LTE Initiative.
India
Tikona Digital Networks won spectrum in 5 circles

and is committed to deploy LTE TDD. Commercial
launch is expected in 2014.
800 MHz and 1800 MHz LTE spectrum was

auctioned In July 2013 to Vodafone, Digicel, and
Telecom Fiji Limited (TFL). Result:
Vodafone: 30 MHz paired 1800 MHz

Digicel: blocks in APT700 and 1800 MHz
TFL: blocks in APT700 and 1800 MHz
Vodafone Fiji commercially launched LTE1800 on

December 5, 2013 with coverage available in most
parts of Suva, Lami and some parts of Nasinu. Over
6,000 subscriptions were signed up in the first 2
months, according to their Head of Marketing.
Digicel is expected to deploy LTE in 2014.
On April 10, 2012 Bharti Airtel commercially

launched LTE TDD data-only service in Kolkata.
Service opened in Bangalore on May 7, 2012 and
Pune on October 18, 2012 including CSFB, then
Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula in March 2013.
Airtel plans to cover New Delhi and Mumbai later with
spectrum acquired from the Qualcomm Asia Pacific
Indian BWA operation. Airtel is currently trialling
VoLTE.
Guam
IT&E announced launch of LTE commercial services
on June 28, 2012 initially for business only, using
700 MHz, extended to other users in early July 2012
as 4G LTE Wireless Data Network for the Home.
DoCoMo Pacific announced launch of LTE
commercial services in 700 MHz on October 4, 2012.
Aircel won BWA spectrum in 8 circles and plans to

commercially launch LTE TDD service in 2014. Trials
have started in Andhra Pradesh.
iConnect commercially launched LTE service using

700 MHz spectrum on March 20, 2013.
Infotel Broadband was the only pan-India winner,

and was later bought by Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL).
GTA commercially launched LTE service using AWS

spectrum on October 11, 2013 and is initially
available in key areas where most 3G data traffic
22
March 31, 2014
Reliance Jio Infocomm is deploying an LTE TDD

BWA network for commercial launch in 2014. The
company is running trials including phone and TV
services that will be delivered via an outdoor CPE
and indoor set top box. RIL is also trialling VoLTE.
Final results (DoT website):

http://www.dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/Final_results_and_Payment_Methodology_0.pdf
Indonesia
Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat have been
trialling LTE and plan to deploy commercial networks.
BSNL acquired BWA spectrum licences in the 2.6

GHz band in 22 circles for $1.6 billion.
Indosat trialled LTE in 2.6 GHz in 2010 and in

October 2011 announced completion of an LTE1800
trial in 10 MHz bandwidth in Surabaya and Denpasar
in Bali. Indosat plans to deploy LTE in re-farmed 1800
MHz and 2.1 GHz. Some operators have called for
new spectrum in the 700 MHz to be allocated for LTE
following an analog to digital TV broadcast migration.
MTNL bought 2.6 GHz spectrum and is studying

introducing LTE TDD possibly in addition to current
WiMAX deployments.
Videocon is deploying a commercial LTE1800
network in 6 circles targeting launch by August 2014
and also plans to deploy VoLTE.
Telkomsel and XL Axiata have each launched an

LTE network trial in Nusa Dusa, Bali in advance of
the APEC summit in October 2013.
SSTL bidding under the name of MTS secured 800

MHz (ex-CDMA) spectrum and technology neutral
licences in 8 circles following a recent auction. The
company is considering deploying LTE at a later date.
The parent company of Axiata has obtained

government approval to take over rival operator Axis
which owns 15 MHz of 1800 MHz and plans to deploy
LTE1800 service.
Regulator Telecom Regulatory Authority of India

(TRAI) is consulting on 700 MHz spectrum and IMTAdvanced (incl. LTE-Advanced) systems.
CDMA operator Bakrie Telecom plans to introduce

LTE following a trial phase.
In March 2013 TRAI recommended adoption of the

APT700 FDD band plan.
Regulator SDPPI is consulting on the use of 2300

2360 MHz spectrum (part of Band 40) for BWA
services, which could lead to licences being awarded.
In January 2014 the Indian government agreed a

refund to BSNL and MTNL in exchange for return of
the unused 2.6 GHz spectrum.
PT Indosat Mega Media (IM2), subsidiary of PT

Indosat Tbk (ISAT), selected LTE TDD technology in
2.3 GHz spectrum won in an auction for a BWA
license in 2009. The government is scheduled to
complete regulations for 4G introduction including
LTE by the end of 2013.
The DoT started an auction of technology-neutral 900

MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum on February 3, 2014
that concluded and provisional results being
announced on February 13, 2014. Bharti Airtel,
Vodafone and Idea were the biggest spenders.
Reliance Jio Infocomm bought contiguous spectrum
1800 MHz spectrum in 14 circles but did not buy any
900 MHz spectrum. Other winners were Telenor (via
Telewings), Aircel and RCOM.
WiMAX operator PT Internux commercially

launched LTE TDD on November 14, 2013 under the
BOLT service name in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok,
Tangerang, and Bekasi, using 15 MHz of 2.3 GHz
spectrum (band 40).
Vodafone India will deploy LTE1800. Bharti Airtel

will build out LTE1800 alongside its existing 2.3 GHz
LTE TDD deployments to establish a pan-India
4G/LTE footprint. Idea Cellular will deploy a
LTE1800 system. Reliance Jio Infocomm will build
out LTE1800 alongside its existing 2.3 GHz LTE TDD
deployments to establish a pan-India 4G/LTE
footprint through an integrated ecosystem.
WiMAX operator First Media is migrating to LTE

TDD using 15 MHz of 2.3 GHz (band 40).
WiMAX operator Berca Hardayaperkasa is
considering migrating to an LTE TDD network using
15 MHz of 2.3 GHz spectrum (band 40).
23
March 31, 2014
The Ministry of Communications and Information

Technology is reported to be meeting with the
countrys 4 CDMA operators in January 2014 to
discuss the path to a possible migration to LTE.
eAccess launched commercial LTE service using 1.7

GHz on March 15, 2012 (this is band 9, which is
within LTE1800 band 3. A band 9 device will not work
on all band 3 networks). Coverage is scheduled to
cover 99% of population of Tokyo, Osaka and
Nagoya by end June 2012. eAccess announced in
September 2013 the results of its trials of LTEAdvanced Carrier Aggregation technology.
SDPPI adopted the APT700 FDD band plan in June

2013.
Japan
Softbank Mobile, a member of the Global TD-LTE

Initiative, commercially launched XGP/LTE TDD
services on February 24, 2012 via its affiliated
company Wireless City Planning following a precommercial pilot service starting on November 1,
2011 and which owns the operating license. The
coverage area includes Sapporo, Saitama, Chiba,
Tokyo, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe,
Fukuoka, Fukuoka City, Kitakyushu City and covers
30 cities. The first device offered was the "ULTRA
WiFi 4G SoftBank 101SI portable router. A
smartphone was introduced in October 2012. The
network is deployed in 20 MHz of 2.5 GHz spectrum
(band 41) bought from Willcom (PHS operator) and
had 2.1 million subscriptions by September 2013. By
October 2013 over 47,000 eNodeBs were deployed.
NTT DoCoMo launched Japans first commercial LTE

system on December 24, 2010 in 2.1 GHz spectrum
under the Xi brand, in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka.
DoCoMo aims to cover 98% of population with LTE
by March 2015 and is targeting 30 million LTE
subscriptions by this date. DoCoMo announced that 7
million LTE subscribers was passed during December
2012 i.e. in less than 2 years since LTE service
launch and on February 19, 2013 announced that its
LTE customer base had passed 10 million mark,
having doubled in the previous 6 months. By end July
2013 the number of subscribers had grown to 15
million. NTT DoCoMo has also launched LTE in 1.5
GHz (band 21) and plans to begin installing APT700
FDD compatible base stations in readiness for when
this band is allowed for commercial LTE use in 2015.
A 3.5 GHz LTE-Advanced trial is underway in the

Ginza area of Tokyo (4 x 20 MHz carriers 2480
3560 MHz), which can continue to end 2014. 200
MHz (3.4 3.6 GHz) is planned for allocation in 2014.
150 Mbps downlink was first introduced in Kawasaki

on July 30, 2013 and is planned for Tokyo, Nagoya
and Osaka from October 1, 2013. This is understood
to be a Cat 4 service. LTE-Advanced is expected to
be introduced in 2015. The company achieved 1.2
Gbps downlink speed in recent trials.
Softbank Mobile owns licences to operate mobile

systems in 2.1GHz FDD (band 1), 1.5 GHz (band 11)
and 900 MHz (band 8), and commercially launched
its LTE FDD service in band 1 on September 21,
2012 at the same time as introducing the iPhone 5.
NTT DoCoMo has announced LTE roaming service

from March 31, 2014 for its customers travelling to
the US, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Puerto Rico
and the US Virgin Islands. Roaming to Malaysia will
be activated in April 2014.
Softbank Corp. will acquire domestic rival eAccess

Ltd. through a stock swap deal valued at $2.3 billion,
which will provide Softbank not only with more
subscribers, but additional radio spectrum (band 9)
which e-Access currently uses for its services.
KDDI launched commercial LTE service on

September 21, 2012 and continues to operate its 800
MHz CDMA network for voice traffic. The LTE service
was launched in 2.1 GHz spectrum (band 1) to align
with the LTE band support offered by the iPhone 5,
which KDDI also introduced on the same day. Other
phones will use 2.1 GHz later. 800 MHz spectrum is
also now used for commercial LTE service. KDDI is
understood to be planning to introduce LTEAdvanced in 2014.
Softbank has announced plans to buy 70% of Sprint

Nextel (USA) for $20.1 billion. The deal required the
approval of shareholders and regulators, and was
completed in July 2013.
In August 2013 Softbank demonstrated 5-carrier
Carrier Aggregation for LTE TDD using 3.5 GHz
spectrum and achieved 770 MBps downlink speed in
24
March 31, 2014
Tokyo. Carrier Aggregation (CA), Coordinated MultiPoint (CoMP) and Cloud BB (Baseband) LTEAdvanced technologies were employed in the trial.
Softbank is deploying VoLTE and SRVCC.
which MCMC is considering. MCMC is

consulting on re-farming 850/900/1800 MHz.
also
Maxis commercially launched LTE service on

January 1, 2013 in 2.6 GHz spectrum. 1800 MHz
(LTE1800) service was added in mid-April 2013. In
October 2011 Maxis and U Mobile signed an active
RAN sharing agreement covering LTE.
NTT DoCoMo, KDDI and eAccess were granted

APT700 FDD band spectrum in June 2012 for LTE
deployments, which can be brought into use from
early 2015. It is understood that 1800 MHz spectrum
may be allocated for LTE services in Japan in future.
Celcom Axiata commercially launched its LTE

service using 2.6 GHz spectrum in the Klang Valley
on April 22, 2013. Celcom planned to have 620 live
sites by end 2013, and nearly double that figure by
Q1 2014. The current LTE network expansion
deployment program includes using 2.6 GHz and
refarmed 1800 MHz (LTE1800) spectrum.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications

(MIC) has launched a public consultation on the
expansion of regional BWA systems by assigning a
band in the 2.6 GHz spectrum range to the AXGP
standard, which is LTE TDD compliant. Comments
were required by 26 July 2013. 3.5 GHz spectrum is
expected to be allocated in Japan by 2015.
In early July 2013 Celcom and Altel announced an

agreement to jointly develop, establish, build, operate
and manage shared infrastructure. Each company will
pool 2 x 10 MHz of 2.6 GHz bandwidth for LTE
deployment. In addition, Altel will consider Celcom's
request for the remaining 2 x 10MHz spectrum owned
by Altel. The agreement allows for Altel to appoint
Celcom as the exclusive infrastructure and wholesale
provider to enable Altel to operate as a MVNO and for
other services which are currently under discussion.
Kiribati
Telecom Services Kiribati Ltd (TSKL) commercially
launched LTE service for CPE business users in
August 2013 using 700 MHz band 12 spectrum. A
wider service launch followed on October 29, 2013
Laos
On May 15, 2012 the Ministry of Post and
Telecommunication awarded a license to Beeline
Lao to deploy LTE. Testing is underway in Vientiane
using 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum. Coverage
will open initially in Vientiane. Commercial service
launch is expected in 2014.
In December 2013 Celcom and DiGi announced they

had entered entered into agreement with Telekom
Malaysia for provision of backhaul services for LTE.
DiGi commercially launched LTE service in high
traffic locations in the Klang Valley on July 5, 2013
using 2.6 GHz spectrum.
Lao Telecommunications Company (LTC) is

deploying an LTE network that is expected to enter
commercial service in 2014. LTE using 2.6 GHz
spectrum has been available in Vientiane from time to
time since 2013 on a pre-commercial basis.
U Mobile commercially launched LTE service using

2.6 GHz spectrum on December 17, 2013 in strategic
areas within the Klang Valley, namely Bandar
Sunway, Subang Jaya, Puchong and Berjaya Times
Square as well as Taman Molek in Johor Bahr.
Malaysia
WiMAX operator Packet One Networks P1
(Malaysia) is upgrading its 2.3 GHz network with an
LTE TDD overlay. P1 plans to have 4,0005,000 LTE
TDD sites by 2015. Telekom Malaysia confirmed in
March 2014 it had agreed to buy 57% share in P1.
Telekom Malaysia had earlier announced plans to
launch commercial LTE service in refarmed 850 MHz
spectrum (deployment status is unclear at time of
writing of this report).
Regulator MCMC named 9 recipients of 20 MHz (2x

10 MHz) of 2.6 GHz spectrum: DiGi, Celcom Axiata,
Maxis, U Mobile, WiMAX operators Asiaspace, P1,
REDtone International, YTL Communications (Yes
brand) and Puncak Semangat Sdn Bhd (Altel)
which received 40 MHz (2x 20 MHz). A number of
parties have enquired about access to 700 MHz,
25
March 31, 2014
WiMAX operator Asiaspace has confirmed its plan

to launch LTE TDD in 2.3 GHz expected 2014.
Telenor is deploying an LTE network.

Nepal
YTL announced plans to launch LTE service in 2014.

Ncell approached the Nepal Telecom Authority for a
license and spectrum for LTE. Shareholder
TeliaSonera is keen to proceed if permission and
spectrum are granted.
Maxis and REDtone signed an infrastructure and

spectrum sharing agreement in July 2012. Both
companies plan to launch LTE expected 2014.
Telekom Malaysia has announced plans to launch
commercial LTE service by February 12, 2014 in
refarmed 850 MHz spectrum (deployment status was
unclear at time of writing of this report).
Nepal Telecom has trialled LTE TDD and FDD

modes and also wishes to deploy a commercial LTE
network subject to regulatory approval.
New Zealand
MCMC adopted the APT700 FDD band plan in June

2013. MCMC said in December 2013 that an auction
of 700 MHz spectrum would be delayed until 2018, as
broadcasters would need to vacate the band before it
could be allocated for mobile services.
Vodafone New Zealand launched the countrys first

LTE commercial service on February 28, 2013 in
Auckland, using 1800 MHz spectrum (LTE1800).
Service reached Christchurch on May 29, 2013 and
reached 6 cities including Wellington by July 2013.
Over 60,000 customers signed up for LTE in the first
3 months and exceeded over 300,000 after one year.
The company said that its LTE network will cover
2.54 million people in 48 locations by end April 2014.
Public demonstrations of LTE-Advanced Carrier
Aggregation were made in May 2013. The network
now supports Cat 4 devices.
Maldives
Wataniya commercially launched LTE service using
700 MHz spectrum in Male for data users on April 28,
2013. Service for handset users was introduced in
early December 2013.
Dhiraagu introduced two 4G/LTE experience zones
in two key locations of Male as the first phase of its
introduction of Dhiraagu 4G services to Maldives.
Telecom New Zealand showcased LTE in 2011,

launching trials there and in Wellington on December
7, 2012. 700 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum
were used. The company commercially launched Cat
4 LTE service from the outset in parts of Auckland,
Wellington and Christchurch on November 12, 2013
using 1800 MHz (band 3 LTE1800). APT700
spectrum will be brought into service later.
Mongolia
3.5 GHz WiMAX operator Ulusnet plans to migrate
to LTE TDD in the same band. The government is
understood to be also considering the allocation of
1800 MHz for LTE FDD service (LTE1800).
Kordia is considering an upgrade of its 2.3 GHz rural

mobile network to LTE.
Mongolia Telecom is deploying an LTE network in

cooperation with KT Corporation (South Korea),
targeting commercial launch in 2015.
Woosh owns rights to 93 MHz of spectrum including

35 MHz in the 2.3 GHz band and is considering an
upgrade of its 2.3 GHz rural mobile network to LTE.
Woosh is a member of the Global TD-LTE Initiative.
Myanmar
Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications (MPT)
advised GSA that 1800 MHz (20 MHz) is
standardized for LTE FDD service. MPT trial
launched service in 2H 2013 for the SEA Games.
The government adopted the APT700 FDD band plan

and attempted to auction spectrum in 9 paired 5 MHz
blocks. Bidding started on October 29, 2013.
Spectrum can be used from January 1, 2014.
Ooredoo is deploying an LTE network.
26
Vodafone NZ obtained three lots (2 x 15 MHz)
March 31, 2014
Singapore
Telecom NZ obtained three lots (2 x 15 MHz)

2degrees obtained two lots (2 x 10 MHz)
M1 launched commercial LTE services in the financial

district on June 21, 2011 initially using 2.6 GHz, later
introducing LTE1800. Nationwide coverage using
dual band was announced on September 15, 2012.
M1 is preparing its network to support LTE-Advanced
300 Mbps (Cat 6) commercial service in 2014.
The remaining 2 x 5 MHz block was auctioned and

won by Telecom NZ with a bid of NZ$ 83 million.
2degrees plans to commence testing in Auckland in
April 2014 and is expected to commercially launch
LTE1800 in July 2014.
StarHub tested LTE in 2.6 GHz and 1800 MHz. An

LTE1800 network in refarmed 1800 MHz was
commercially launched on September 19, 2012 in the
Central Business District (CBD), Changi Airport and
Singapore Expo. StarHub has trialled VoLTE and is
now deploying for service launch in 2H 2014.
Pakistan
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority plans to
auction 30 MHz of 3G 850 MHz and 20 MHz of 4G
1800 MHz spectrum in April 2014.
SingTel launched commercial LTE service on

December 22, 2011 in 1800 MHz (LTE1800) and 2.6
GHz spectrum. Initial service using dongles was in
the Central Business District, and planned to extend
to high data usage regions. 80% coverage of
Singapore is targeted by 2012, extending to islandwide by early 2013. SingTel also trialled LTE
overseas with carriers in which it holds stakes i.e.
SingTel Optus (Australia), Telkomsel (Indonesia),
Globe Telecom (Philippines). SingTel announced in
May 2013 the company had achieved nationwide
coverage and upgraded its network to Cat 4 (peak
downlink speed of 150 Mbps). SingTel is deploying
300 Mbps LTE-Advanced, and VoLTE.
Papua New Guinea

Digicel was allocated APT700 FDD spectrum (2x 22.5
MHz) in April 2012 and is deploying an LTE network.
The Philippines
Following a period of limited commercial LTE service
beginning in Boracay in April 2011 then extended to
additional locations including Cebu and Davao,
Smart Communications commercially launched
wider LTE service on August 25, 2012 in Metro
Manila using 2.1 GHz (band 1). Commercial LTE
service was also launched using 1800 MHz (LTE1800
band 3) on September 5, 2012. To further extend
coverage, 850 MHz spectrum (band 5) was brought
into use on September 14, 2012. By end April 2013
over 1,000 LTE sites were active in over 115 cities
and municipalities. Smart is conducting trials of LTEAdvanced technology in Metro Manila, Davao City
and Boracay. Smart is also conducting LTE TDD
technology trials. In November 2013 Smart
announced completion of LTE multicast (eMBMS) for
delivery of multimedia content. eMBMS substantially
reduces the bandwidth needed to deliver multimedia
content one-to-many.
In December 2013 SingTel confirmed the launch of

LTE data roaming in 6 countries within the Asia
region Australia (Optus), Hong Kong (CSL Limited),
Indonesia (Telkomsel), Malaysia (Maxis), South
Korea (SK Telecom) and The Philippines (Globe
Telecom).
In June 2013 regulator IDA auctioned additional 1800
MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum to all three incumbent
mobile operators SingTel Mobile, StarHub and M1
which will be used for LTE.
IDA adopted the APT700 FDD band plan in June
2013.
Globe Telecom launched commercial LTE1800

service under the Tattoo broadband brand on
September 28, 2012 in Makati City, with plans to
quickly expand to cover Manila, Cebu, Davao and
select regions.
South Korea
LG U Plus launched LTE services on July 1, 2011,
using 10 MHz paired 850 MHz spectrum (band 5) and
announced nationwide coverage by April 2012. Multi-
Bayan Telecommunications indicated interest to

deploy LTE in existing 1800 MHz spectrum.
27
March 31, 2014
carrier services were commercialized in July 2012

and released in 84 cities by July 18, 2013, with
10MHz paired 2.1 GHz spectrum (band 1). Also, LG
U Plus commercialized LTE-Advanced Carrier
Aggregation technology on July 18, 2013, supporting
up to 150 Mbps peak download by combining two
paired 10 MHz frequencies (800 MHz and 2.1 GHz
bands) to create an effective bandwidth of 20 MHz
paired.
to 23 other major cities by early 2013. SK Telecom

said that this was the world's first commercialization
of Multi Carrier.
SK Telecom launched commercial VoLTE HD Voice
(W-AMR) service in August 2012.
SK Telecom announced start of international LTE
roaming service with Globe Telecom (Philippines) on
1 April 2013, adding to existing roaming agreements
with CSL Ltd (Hong Kong) from June 1, 2012 and
SingTel from March 1, 2013. SK Telecom announced
plans to launch quad-band LTE devices (850 MHz,
1800 MHz, 2.1 GHz and 2.6 GHz) during Q2 2013.
Single-mode LTE services were commercially

launched on July 20, 2013. LG U Plus claims it to be
the first time in the world that single-mode LTE
delivering LTE data and HD voice service without
WCDMA support has been commercialized.
LTE-Advanced (Release 10) Carrier Aggregation was

commercially launched by SK Telecom on June 26,
2013, claiming that Carrier Aggregation had been
commercialized for the first time in the world,
supporting up to 150 Mbps peak downlink by
combining two 10 MHz carriers (1.8 GHz and 800
MHz bands) to create an effective bandwidth of 20
MHz. SK Telecom began offering LTE-Advanced in
Seoul and central areas of Gyeongg-do and
Chungcheong-do, and is expanding LTE-Advanced to
84 cities nationwide. The LTE-Advanced service was
launched with the worlds first LTE-Advanced phone,
Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE-A and 7 different LTEAdvanced smartphones were introduced in 2H 2013.
SK Telecom had 1 million LTE-Advanced subscribers
as of October 11, 2013.
LG U Plus gained 40 MHz of 2.6 GHz spectrum in

August 8, 2013. In all, LG U Plus has secured a total
of 80 MHz paired LTE spectrum made from 20 MHz
of 800 MHz, 20 MHz of 2.1 GHz, and 40 MHz of 2.6
GHz. Since December 30, 2013 LG U Plus claims to
be the top operator servicing the broadest LTE
bandwidth in the world at 80 MHz and offers LTE,
LTE-Advanced and 20 MHz wideband LTE services
using this full bandwidth. LG U Plus will provide
Carrier Aggregation in wideband LTE mid-2014,
supporting up to 225 Mbps peak download by
combining two different 20 MHz bandwidth
frequencies (800 MHz and 2.6 GHz).
LG U Plus claims to be the first South Korean
operator to deploy a tri-band multicarrier LTE system
which automatically handles both voice and data
traffic, by using 850 MHz, 2.1 GHz and 2.6 GHz
spectrum. This service is initially available in Seoul
and selected Greater Seoul areas, and is planned to
be rolled out to other cities in March 2014, ahead of
nationwide coverage by July 2014.
SK Telecom won 20 MHz of 1800 MHz (LTE1800) in

the August 2013 auction and began offering LTE
service using wider bandwidth in 1800 MHz on
September 30, 2013 with plans to expand nationwide
by July 2014. The next step will be to support peak
downlink of 225 Mbps nationwide by end 2014. In
November 2013 the company demonstrated carrier
aggregation using 20 MHz of 1800 MHz spectrum
band and 10 MHz of 800 MHz spectrum.
SK Telecom launched commercial LTE service in

Seoul on July 1, 2011 in 10 MHz in Band 5 (850
MHz). The company reached nationwide (84 cities)
coverage using this band by April 1, 2012. In
December 2011 SK Telecom started deploying dualmode femtocells with LTE and Wi-Fi that, according
to the Small Cell Forum, were the first LTE femtocells
on a commercial network. In May 2012 SK Telecom
announced multi-carrier trials (LTE-Advanced) to
allow combining of Band 5 and Band 3 spectrum. A
multi-carrier LTE service was launched on July 1,
2012, extending across all of Seoul by end 2012 and
In February 2014 SK Telecom announced plans to

build more 1800 MHz sites to achieve nationwide
coverage for its LTE and 150 Mbps LTE-Advanced
services by end 2014. When complete it will allow SK
Telecom to combine 20 MHz bandwidth in 1800 MHz
and 10 MHz in 850 MHz to enable a theoretical peak
downlink data throughput 225 Mbps. SK Telecom has
received approval to use 10 MHz of its 2.1 GHz
28
March 31, 2014
bandwidth for deployment of a three-band carrier

aggregation system capable of 300 Mbps downlink.
immediate access to the new spectrum except for

800 MHz that was allocated from July 2012. SK
Telecom won 20 MHz of 1800 MHz spectrum. KT
won 10 MHz of 800 MHz spectrum. LG U Plus won
20 MHz in 2.1 GHz for LTE deployments.
SK Telecom said that it will begin building base

stations for LTE in the 2.1GHz band in Q2 2014,
preparing the network for commercialization as soon
as supporting handsets arrive onto the market. Until
then, SK Telecom will apply multi carrier to these 2.1
GHz base stations. SK recently confirmed its
successful demonstration of FDD-TDD carrier
aggregation.
According to data from the Ministry of Science, ICT

and Future Planning (MSIP), SK Telecom had 13
million LTE customers by November 2013, KT had 8
million by early January 2014, and LG U Plus had 7.1
million by December 2013. Around half of mobile
phone users now subscribe to LTE services.
KT commercially launched LTE services in Seoul on

January 3, 2012 in re-farmed 1800 MHz (Band 3)
(LTE1800). KT announced on April 23, 2012 LTE
coverage in 84 cities. KT commercially launched
VoLTE service October 8, 2012 nationwide on the
whole LTE network. KT has delivered a 20 MHz
wideband 1800 MHz LTE service since midSeptember 2013 by adding the additional 1800 MHz
frequency bought by auction in August 2013 (see
below). Therefore the peak downlink throughput is
150 Mbps at 1800 MHz (LTE1800) supporting Cat 4
devices and KT believes this is the first 20 MHz
wideband LTE service in the Korean market. By
bringing into service an additional 5 MHz, a total of 15
MHz is currently allocated for the uplink.
After around 50 rounds of bidding in August 2013, KT

won 15 MHz of additional 1800 MHz spectrum next to
its current holding used in its LTE network. This
allocation will enable introduction of Cat 4 (150
Mbps). SK Telecom also acquired additional 1800
MHz channels. LG U Plus won spectrum in the 2.6
GHz band on August 8, 2013. LG U Plus therefore
has secured LTE spectrum in 800 MHz, 2.1 GHz and
2.6 GHz totaling 40 MHz paired.
In 2013 MSIP set out a policy to assist WiBro
operators migrate to LTE TDD systems and has also
committed to release in 2014 a national plan for LTE
TDD market development.
In the area where KT provides 20 MHz wideband LTE

services, KT also provides 10 MHz multicarrier
service by bringing into use 10 MHz of 900 MHz band
8 spectrum. In addition KT is using Carrier
Aggregation to combine 10 MHz B3 and 10 MHz B8
in the other area where 20 MHz wideband is not
used. KT plans to support 20 MHz B3 combined with
10 MHz B8, subject to availability of UE terminals.
Korea Mobile Internet (KMI), a consortium of local

MVNOs, has repeatedly applied for permission to
deploy an LTE TDD network. If approved, KMI plans
to launch services in all 85 major cities by October
2015. KMI would operate a wholesale model to
MVNOs to retail services to their customers.
South Korea has allocated 2 x 20 MHz bandwidth in
accordance with the APT700 FDD band plan.
KT recently confirmed its successful demonstration of

FDD-TDD carrier aggregation.
Sri Lanka
KT announced commercial launch of the worlds first

eMBMS-enabled LTE Broadcast service on January
27, 2014. The service is branded Olleh LTE Play and
targets consumers, currently delivered to Samsung
Galaxay Note 3 users who have downloaded the
Olleh eMBMS application to stream 2 major channels.
Dialog Axiata commercially launched LTE TDD in

2.3 GHz (band 40) via its DBN subsidiary on
December 30, 2012 in Colombo. Dialog later acquired
10 MHz of 1800 MHz by auction and commercially
launched LTE1800 on April 2, 2013 in Colombo. The
LTE TDD system continues to be developed for fixed
wireless services. In May 2013 the company
announced it had gained an extra block of 2.3 GHz
for following the acquisition of a pay TV operator.
Regulator KCC conducted an auction in August 2011

of spectrum blocks in 800, 1800 MHz and 2.1 GHz
bands. SK Telecom and KT were barred from
bidding for 2.1 GHz spectrum. Winners gained
29
March 31, 2014
Mobitel (subsidiary of Sri Lanka Telecom) launched

commercial LTE1800 service on December 31, 2012.
http://www.ncc.gov.tw/english/content_field_detail.aspx?sit
e_content_sn=215&is_history=0&pages=0&sn_f=69
Etisalat is deploying a commercial LTE network

which is expected to launch in 2014 timeframe.
CDMA operator Asia Pacific Telecom has

commenced equipment procurement and is targeting
LTE service launch by end 2014. VoLTE is also being
deployed.
WiMAX and CDMA operator Lanka Bell

commercially launched LTE TDD in band 40 on
February 4th, 2014 in parts of Colombo and Greater
Colombo.
FarEasTone is expected to launch LTE service using

APT700 (band 28) in Q3 2014 and also use 1800
MHz (LTE1800) later.
Fixed wireless access using LTE TDD in band 38 (2.6

GHz) was commercially launched by SLT on January
19, 2014.
Taiwan Mobile has selected its infrastructure

supplier targeting launch by end 2014 and will deploy
LTE-Advanced carrier aggregation combining 700
MHz (APT700 band 28) and 1800 MHz (LTE1800)
spectrum assets.
Taiwan
Chunghwa Telecom trialled LTE in 2.6 GHz and 700
MHz, completed LTE FDD and TDD tests on the
high-speed rail system using 2.6 GHz, and is
currently deploying an LTE network targeting launch
in 2014.
NCC is reported to be planning to auction 190 MHz of

2.6 GHz spectrum, covering FDD and TDD bands.
Thailand
Regulator NBTC approved trialling of LTE in 2.3 GHz
and 1800 MHz. TOT partnered with its concession
holder AIS to trial 2.3 GHz LTE TDD in 20 MHz of its
total 64 MHz allocation with 20 sites in central
Bangkok in January 2012. Softbank has a partnership
with state-owned operator TOT, which will focus on
joint development of a 2.3 GHz LTE TDD network
using TOT's allocation of 64 MHz bandwidth. It is
likely that the LTE network will be used for mobile
backhaul for Wi-Fi access points and mobile cell
sites. The first test phase ran until May 2012.
FarEasTone and China Mobile are co-operating on

an LTE TDD trial in Taipei. The National Chiao Tung
University conducted an LTE TDD trial in 2010. BWA
operators Global Mobile, Tatung, FET and VMAX
have technology-neutral licences and can apply to
deploy different technologies, e.g. LTE. WiMAX
operator Global Mobile has requested approval to
amend its licence to allow a switch to LTE TDD and
began testing. PHS and WiMAX operator Fitel
trialled LTE TDD for a year from July 1, 2011 in
Taoyuan, and is expected to request the NCC to
allow migration from WiMAX to LTE if their trial
proves successful.
AIS subsidiary Digital Phone Co joined with CAT

Telecom to test LTE1800 from mid-January 2012 in
Maha Sarakham. The trial had 8 sites and ran until
March 2012. TOT planned new trials involving up to
400 sites using 30 MHz of 2.3 GHz spectrum.
Regulator NCC started an auction on September 3,

2013 for APT700, 900 and 1800 MHz bands totaling
135 MHz x 2, which concluded the following month.
Results:
True Move commercially launched LTE service on

May 8, 2013 using 2100 MHz spectrum. Coverage
has since been extended to Central, Western,
Northern and Southern Thailand.
Chunghwa Telecom won spectrum in the

900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands and plans to
commercially launch LTE service in 2014.
FarEasTone won APT700 and 1800 MHz
Taiwan Mobile won APT700 and 1800 MHz
Hon Hai won APT700 and 900 MHz
Star Mobile won 900 MHz
Asia Pacific Telecom won APT700
DTAC rebranded as TriNet, is preparing to launch

LTE using 2100 MHz (band 1) in Q2 2014. In a press
release on March 25, 2014 the company announced
preparations to test 4G LTE service
30
March 31, 2014
NBTC has decided on August 2014 as the date to

auction 25 MHz of paired 1800 MHz technology
neutral spectrum returned when licences expired in
September 2013. 17.5 MHz paired of returned 900
MHz spectrum will be auctioned in November 2014;
this auction may be increased to 20 MHz. Additional
unused 1800 MHz channels will be auctioned in 2015
currently allocated to DTAC.
Armenia
VivaCell-MTS commercially launched LTE in
Yerevan on December 28, 2011 in 2.6 GHz spectrum
and has since been extended to Dilizhan, Gyumri,
Tsakhnadzor. and Vanadzor, together representing
around 33% population coverage.
Orange organized a public demonstration of LTE at
the Orange Flagship Store November 4-5, 2010 and
has committed to deploy a commercial LTE network.
Tonga
The APT700 FDD band plan was adopted in 2012.
ArmenTel (Beeline/Vimpelcom) plans to deploy LTE.

Vietnam
Austria
Regulator MIC has authorized trials by VNPT, Viettel,
FPT Telecom, CMC, VTC, EVN Telecom and Gtel.
RusViet Telecom trialled an LTE network in 2010 in
Hanoi. Viettel said in May 2011 it had started testing
an LTE deployment in Hanoi and HCM City, offering
dongle-based services to 240 friendly users.
Regulator TKK completed its 2.6 GHz auction on

September 20, 2010, raising 39.5m from A1
Telekom, Hutchison 3, T-Mobile and Orange. 14
paired and 9 unpaired blocks were sold.
700 MHz spectrum will be allocated after analog to

digital TV switchover, scheduled to begin in 2015 in
big cities. The government announced in June 2012
that state-owned operators Vinaphone and
MobiFone are to merge (subject to approvals). The
Authority of Radio Frequency Management is
reported as saying that LTE-based licensing of 4G
will be delayed until 2015 unless there is a significant
pick up in the market for high-speed data services.
A1 Telekom commercially launched LTE in Vienna

and St. Plten on November 5, 2010. LTE service
covers 80% of the population (February 2013). The
company announced in June 2013 it had successfully
demonstrated the LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation
feature. A1 Telekom launched an LTE data roaming
service with Swisscom in December 2013. The
company announced in a blog on January 29, 2014
that 800 MHz spectrum (band 20) was in commercial
service on more than 200 sites over Austria.
WiMAX operator Indochina Telecom is studying

migration to LTE TDD and is a member of the Global
TD-LTE Initiative (GTI).
T-Mobile Austria commercially launched LTE service

using 2.6 GHz spectrum on July 28, 2011. In March
2014 its LTE network covered 2.1 million population.
150 Mbps theoretical peal downlink (for Category 4
device users) was launched in March 2014. The
company is reported to have tested carrier
aggregation, combining 2.6 GHz and 1800 MHz
spectrum.
Europe
Abkhazia
Aquafon announced that LTE testing was performed
in Sukhumi in co-operation with Megafon. Aquafon
announced in July 2013 receipt of a licence to deploy
LTE in 800 MHz spectrum in Sukhumi.
3 Austria commercially launched LTE FDD service in

Vienna using 2.6 GHz on November 18, 2011. LTE
TDD deployment in (band 38) is under study.
Orange Austria tested LTE technology and won 2 x
10 MHz of 2.6 GHz spectrum in the 2010 auction.
The company was taken over by Hutchison Group
(the deal completed on January 3, 2013) and is now
part of 3 Austria.
Andorra
Andorra Telecom is deploying an LTE network
targeting service launch in 2014.
31
March 31, 2014
Regulator TKK conducted an auction of 28 spectrum

blocks in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz
ranges and announced the results in October 2013:
Start-up operator beCloud has a license with

spectrum in B3 (LTE1800) and B7 (2.6 GHz) and
together with MTS is testing LTE-Advanced in Minsk.
A1 won 800 MHz, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz blocks

T-Mobile won 800 MHz, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz
H3G Austria won 900 MHz and 1800 MHz
Additional 900 and 1800 MHz spectrum is expected

to be allocated by the regulator. Digital Dividend band
20 is anticipated from end 2015.
The high prices paid were criticized by the winners.
Belgium
Azerbaijan
Belgacom (Proximus) commercially launched

LTE1800 service on November 5, 2012 in 8 cities and
covered 35% population by early June 2013. 2.6 GHz
may be used later where more capacity is needed.
Azercell commercially launched LTE1800 service on

June 19, 2012. The network covers Baku and the
Absheron peninsula with over 260 sites deployed by
end 2013.
Base commercially launched LTE service using 1800

MHz (LTE1800) on October 1, 2013 in 15 large and
medium-sized cities: Aalst, Antwerp, Beveren, Bruges
Charleroi, Genk, Ghent, Hasselt, Kortrijk, Leuven,
Liege, Mechelen, Namur, Oostende and Sint-Truiden.
By end February 2014 coverage was available to 4
million inhabitants. Base confirmed data speed of
over 250 MBps in recent trials of LTE-Advanced
carrier aggregation.
Azerfon (Nar Mobile) is deploying an LTE network.

Bakcell is deploying a commercial LTE network for
service launch in early 2014.
WiMAX operator Sazz (Azqtel) has 60 MHz of 3.5
GHz spectrum (bands 42, 43) and is deploying an
LTE TDD network, targeting service launch Q3 2014.
Mobistar has 800 MHz, 1800 MHz (LTE1800) and

2600 MHz spectrum which can be used for LTE. On
November 25, 2013 Mobistar opened access to its
network in 30 cities and towns to existing mobile data
customers to try out LTE technology if they had an
LTE-compatible device and were on a compatible
tariff plan. Mobistar later confirmed its commercial
offer allowing 4G access at no extra cost from March
31, 2014; at this time population coverage was 50%.
The government (ICT Ministry) confirmed in August

2013 its intention to allocate band 20 (800 MHz digital
dividend) spectrum for LTE deployments. The
timetable is not yet known.
Belarus
On April 1, 2012 former WiMAX operator Yota Bel
commercially launched launched LTE in Minsk,
following a test phase beginning December 1, 2011.
The Belarus State Commission on Radio Frequencies
issued Yota Bel a licence in December 2008 to use 2
x 30 MHz 2.6 GHz spectrum. NOTE: Yota has since
ceased operations in Belarus, and has been removed
from GSAs list of commercial LTE network launches.
MTS (in co-operation with Beltelcom) and BeST
(Life) completed their LTE trials by May 1, 2011.
Telenet trialled LTE in 2010 and in June 2011

acquired 900, 1800, and 2100 MHz which could be
used for LTE.
blite Telecom BVBA (ex- Clearwire Belgium) has
deployed an LTE TDD system using its 100 MHz of
3.5 GHz spectrum (band 42). The company stated
Our 4G technology will be offered to residential and
business customers and will also be a great asset for
any mobile broadband with a Quality of Service
guarantee for projects enabling Wi-Fi on public
transportation." Commercial launched is planned in
2014 beginning in the city of Aalst.
BeST (Life) has been trialling LTE and has 2 x 15

MHz in 2.6 GHz for commercial network deployment.
450 MHz CDMA operator Belcel had planned to
deploy a commercial LTE network using this
spectrum, however lost its license and ceased
operating on January 23, 2014.
Regulator BIPT auctioned 4G licences for 77 million

Euros, comprising 45 MHz of 2.6 GHz TDD spectrum
32
March 31, 2014
and 3 x 20 MHz paired blocks in 2.6 GHz for FDD

systems. The auction ended November 28, 2011.
New licences run for 15 years from July 1, 2012. LTE
FDD spectrum was acquired by the 3 mobile
incumbents and TDD spectrum was won by new
entrant BUCD (backed by Asian investors)
technology choice is understood to be TD-LTE.
July 26, 2013 was the deadline for interested parties

to submit plans for use of the spectrum.
Croatia
T-Hrvatski Telekom commercially launched LTE in
10 MHz of 1800 MHz spectrum (LTE1800) on March
23, 2012 in Zagreb with free mobile data access on
its LTE network until October 1, 2012. Osijek, Rijeka
and Split are now covered as well as 50% of Zagreb.
Commercial LTE service using 800 MHz spectrum
was introduced in December 2012 in Drenovaca,
Josipdola, Koprivnice, Otocca, Ozlja and Petrinje.
BIPT auctioned 3 x 10 MHz paired blocks of 800 MHz

band 20 spectrum starting and finishing on November
12, 2013. The 3 incumbent mobile networks each bid
120 million Euros (the reserve price) for a 10 MHz
paired block. There was no new market entrant.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
VIPNet demonstrated LTE in 800 MHz in March 2011

and launched a trial for 20 consumers on September
1 2011 in Novi Zagreb using 800 and 1800 MHz
spectrum. VIPNet commercially launched LTE1800
service on March 23, 2012 with free mobile data
access on its LTE network until end June 2012.
Telekom Srpske (m:tel) tested 4G LTE technology in

Banja Luka. BH Telecom is preparing for testing.
Bulgaria
Selected M-Tel customers in Sofia, Varna, Rousse
and Dobrich have been testing its LTE1800 pilot
network free of charge since January 2012. Existing
900 and 1800 MHz spectrum can be used for LTE
since January 2012 and LTE1800 is in deployment.
Velatel (Novi-net) holds 42 MHz spectrum in 3.5 GHz

and is deploying an LTE TDD network since Q2 2012.
In October 2012 regulator HAKOM announced the
results of the digital dividend (800 MHz band 20)
spectrum auction. Three blocks were offered,
however VIPNet and T-Hrvatski Telekom were the
only bidders, as Tele2 did not submit a bid. The total
raised from the auction was about 40 million. VIPNet
acquired 2 x 10 MHz of this spectrum. The winners
are required to achieve coverage to at least 50% of
the territory in five years.
On January 6, 2012 VIVACOM confirmed receipt of

permission from regulator CRC to start LTE testing
for which a network using 1800 MHz was built in
Sofia for trials up to June 2012. An LTE1800
commercial network is now being deployed.
The Communications Regulation Commission (CRC)
stated December 15, 2011 that 3 technology-neutral
licences for vacant 1800 MHz spectrum had been
granted to Max Telecom (2 8 MHz), 4G Com EAD
(2 8 MHz) and Bulsatcom (2 5 MHz).
The remaining two blocks of 2 x 5 MHz were later

auctioned in a sealed bid process; two bids were
opened on October 28, 2013 and HAKOM decided to
award the spectrum to those bidders i.e. to VIPNet
and T-Hrvatski Telekom.
WiMAX operator Max Telecom is deploying an

LTE1800 network. The LTE network will initially cover
Sofia, Ruse, Pleven, Sliven, Stara Zagora, and
Bansko. Commercial launch is anticipated by June
2014. VoLTE will be introduced in 2014.
HAKOM has launched a consultation into use of 900

and 1800 MHz for mobile broadband, including LTE.
Cyprus
4G Com is reported to be for sale.
The Department of Electronic Communications

published tender documents for an auction of 2.6
GHz spectrum by August 31, 2013. On offer were:
Three 20 MHz paired blocks (FDD)
One 40 MHz unpaired block (TDD)
No bids were made and the auction was cancelled.
CRC is planning to launch an auction of 2.6 GHz

spectrum and offer:
Five 2 5 MHz paired blocks (FDD)
Three 5 MHz unpaired blocks (TDD)
33
March 31, 2014
MVNO PrimeTel applied for the third mobile license

which incorporates 900, 1800 and 2100 MHz
spectrum and would allow LTE to be deployed.
PrimeTel was the only bidder and will receive a
licence. The choice of technology is not known.
ApS; TDC A/S; Telia Nttjnster Norden AB; and

Telenor A/S. On October 12, 2010 Telestyrelsen
announced that Hi3G Denmark had been granted
900 and 1800 MHz spectrum, which could be used to
deploy 2G, 3G or LTE technologies nationally.
Czech Republic
Telia launched the countrys first commercial LTE

system on December 9, 2010 in Copenhagen,
Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg in 2.6 GHz (20 MHz).
On October 10, 2011 LTE commercial service was
introduced using 10 MHz of 1800 MHz (LTE1800) as
a complement to 2.6 GHz. Tri-band 800/1800/2600
MHz LTE dongles and routers are available.
Telefonia O2 commercially launched LTE1800 in

Jesenice (west district of Prague) on June 19, 2012.
Service is being extended to more areas of the city in
May 2013 and Brno was covered in October 2013.
T-Mobile commercially launched LTE1800 service on
October 1, 2013 in Prague and Mlada Boleslav.
Telenor and Telia agreed to merge their 4G/LTE, 3G

and 2G networks into a JV called TT-Netvrket P/S.
4G sharing will use LTE1800 and LTE800.
On June 4, 2013 Vodafone announced the launch of

a 20-site LTE1800 trial in Karlovy Vary and planned
backhaul network improvements as part of
preparations for introducing LTE. On December 10,
2013 Vodafone announced the commercial launch of
LTE900 service (i.e. LTE in 900 MHz) in areas
around Litomice, the northern part of the Plze
region and some areas in the Liberec region.
Nationwide coverage is planned by end 2014.
Telenor commercially launched LTE1800 service on

March 20, 2013, covering 192 towns and cities,
representing 75% of the population. In January 2014
the company announced that its 3G/4G networks will
be branded as NU (meaning Now).
TDC launched commercial LTE service on October
10, 2011 in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg,
Esbjerg, Randers, Kolding, Horsens, Vejle, Roskilde.
In September 2011, regulator CTU issued terms and

conditions for a planned auction of 800, 1800 and
2600 MHz. CTU said that the 1800 MHz spectrum
was reserved for a possible new entrant. The auction
started on November 12, 2012 with 4 bidders (three
incumbents plus PPF Mobile Services) but was
cancelled on March 8, 2013 due to excessively high
prices which was felt could lead to high prices for
consumers. The auction was replayed according to
new rules, starting on November 11, 2013. 800 MHz
spectrum was reserved for new entrants however no
new player came forward and the replayed auction
resulted in spectrum being allocated to incumbents.
1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz can be used for LTE.
Licenses will be formally granted in Q1 2014.
3 Denmark is deploying an LTE FDD network

combined with 25 MHz of TDD spectrum, and
launched its commercial LTE FDD service using 1800
(LTE1800) and 2600 MHz spectrum on September
28, 2012, at the same time introducing the iPhone 5.
3 Denmarks LTE network covered 75% of the
population by end 2013.
TDC and TT-Netvrket P/S were awarded 800 MHz
spectrum in the auction which closed on June 26,
2012. TDC won 2 x 20 MHz and TT-Netvrket won 2
x 10 MHz. 739.3 million Danish Kr (approx USD124.3
million) total was paid for the 5 blocks of spectrum on
offer (four 2 x 5 MHz blocks, one 2 x 10 MHz block).
The licences have coverage requirements, and
spectrum could be used from January 1, 2013.
T-Mobile and Telefonica O2 are discussing an

extension to their current network sharing agreement
to include 4G/LTE.
Estonia
Denmark
Regulator TJA awarded LTE licences in 2.6 GHz
spectrum to incumbent mobile operators EMT, Elisa
and Tele2 plus fixed-line operator Elion Enterprises.
Regulator Telestyrelsen concluded an auction of

2500-2690 MHz and 2010-2020 MHz spectrum on
May 10, 2010, awarding spectrum to Hi3G Denmark
34
March 31, 2014
TJA announced on December 16, 2011 that EMT,

Elisa and Tele2 are permitted to deploy mobile
broadband technologies e.g. LTE in 1800 MHz band.
A consultation was simultaneously launched on the
procedures for allocating digital dividend spectrum.
Finland was the first country in Europe to allow 1800

MHz spectrum to be used for LTE deployments.
TeliaSonera launched the first commercial LTE
service in Finland on November 30, 2010 in Turku
and Helsinki, using 2.6 GHz spectrum. LTE1800 was
commercially launched as a complement to 2.6 GHz
on August 31, 2011. In October 2013 TeliaSonera
said its LTE network covered 40% of the population.
EMT launched the first commercial LTE service in

Estonia on December 17, 2010 in 2.6 GHz in the
centers of Tallinn, Tartu, Kohila, and at the IT College
of Tallinn University of Technology. On December 19,
2011 EMT announced start of LTE network
deployment in 1800 MHz. Commercial service is now
delivered using 2.6 GHz, 1800 MHz (LTE1800) and
from June 2013, 800 MHz helped the company to
achieve 95% population coverage six months ahead
of schedule.
Elisa commercially launched a 2.6 GHz LTE network

for corporate users on December 8, 2010, and
announced its first client. The company launched
LTE2600/LTE1800 service combined with DCHSPA+ for consumers on November 17, 2011. LTE
service reached 230 locations by October 2013. 800
MHz was brought into use in January 2014.
Tele2 Estonia commercially launched LTE in Tallinn

using 1800 MHz (LTE1800) and 2.6 GHz on
November 27, 2012. 8.3 MHz of additional 1800 MHz
spectrum was acquired at end 2011. On March 11,
2014 Tele2 announced the company had doubled its
2.1 GHz holding, which can be used immediately for
3G services and can be used later in its LTE network.
On February 11, 2014 it was announced that Elisa

had carried out LTE-Advance tests demonstrating up
to 300 Mbps downlink data speed over its live
network. Partners for the test included Broadcom who
provided Category 6 device technology using carrier
aggregation with two 20 MHz channels of 1800 MHz
(Band 3) and 2.6 GHz spectrum (Band 7). Press
release:
Elisa commercially launched LTE on February 14,

2013 using mainly 1800 MHz (LTE1800), plus 2.6
GHz in urban areas. Commercial service was
extended using 800 MHz spectrum acquired in
August 2013. By end 2013 LTE covered 95% of the
territory and 97% of the population.
http://www.broadcom.com/press/release.php?id=s824740
DNA Oy launched LTE commercial service on

December 13, 2011. The company mainly uses 1800
MHz (LTE1800) spectrum, and uses 2.6 GHz in
populated areas where extra capacity is required. 800
MHz was brought into use in January 2014 beginning
in Lohja. On December 3, 2013 DNA reported 10x
growth in LTE network traffic volume since beginning
of 2013. Videos watched through mobile phones are
by far the most significant contributor to increased
traffic volumes, the company said. DNAs LTE
network serves 40% of the population (over 2 million
people). LTE coverage is planned to double by the
end of 2014 to 80% of the population.
Tele2 beat cable operator Starman for the remaining

block of 800 MHz. Tele2 plans 95% geographical
coverage by mid-2014.
1800 MHz spectrum was refarmed in March 2014 and
guard bands were removed to allow more efficient
use for LTE deployments.
Finland
An auction of 800 MHz spectrum (band 20) in six 5

MHz paired blocks (791 812 MHz paired with 832
862 MHz) started on January 24, 2013 for licences
with 20 years duration. The results were announced
on October 30, 2013. The winners were DNA, Elisa
and TeliaSonera Finland. 800 MHz spectrum can be
brought into use from January 1, 2014.
20-year 2.6 GHz licences were auctioned by regulator

FICORA on 23 November 2009:
Elisa obtained 50 MHz, and launched a precommercial trial in Helsinki on June 2, 2010
TeliaSonera acquired five blocks of 2 x 5 MHz
and launched an LTE network on June 2, 2010 for
pre-commercial use in the city of Turku
DNA obtained 40 MHz
35
March 31, 2014
WiMAX operator Datame is preparing to introduce

LTE and is a member of the Global TD-LTE Initiative.
given for use from October 1, 2013 subject to

spectrum disposal conditions. On October 1, 2013 the
company extended coverage to 63% of the
population with commercial LTE launch in refarmed
1800 MHz spectrum (LTE1800). Coverage increased
to 69% in March 2014. The company is trialling 800
MHz spectrum (band 20). Bouygues Telecom trialled
LTE-Advanced technology in October 2013 and
achieved 182 Mbps downlink using carrier
aggregation with 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz
spectrum. The company announced planned
commercial launch of LTE-Advanced service in
Bordeaux and Lyon in June 2014.
Fixed broadband operator Anvia is trialling LTE using

700 MHz spectrum in Lapua.
France
FT/Orange launched a pilot LTE network in Marseille
in June 2012. Coverage in Lyon, Lille and Nantes
was added later. Marketing to corporate customers
began on November 22, 2012. Consumer services
began in February 2013. Service was introduced in
Paris in February 2013 and 40% of the population
was covered by end 2013. The network is deployed
using 2.6 GHz and 800 MHz spectrum. LTEAdvanced technology is being trialled under a test
licence in Bordeaux using carrier aggregation to
combine channels in 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum.
SFR and Orange can also request permission to use

some or all of their 1800 MHz holdings for LTE.
Free Mobile commercially launched LTE service
claiming 150 Mbps theoretical peak downlink speed,
using 2.6 GHz spectrum on December 1, 2013. The
company has 700 4G sites covering more than 1,000
towns and cities (as of 1 December), which is set to
rapidly increase with several hundred new 4G sites
coming on stream in the next few weeks.
SFR launched commercial LTE service on November

28, 2012 in Lyon and in Montpellier on December 18,
2012 and uses 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum. The
La Defense business region of Paris went live in
January 2013, and Marseille in March 2013. SFR has
accelerated rollout and achieved 40% population
coverage by end 2013. LTE-Advanced CA trials have
been completed in Marseille using 800 MHz and 2.6
GHz spectrum.
WiMAX operator Bollore Telecom plans to

introduce LTE TDD system in band 42 (3.5 GHz) and
is a member of the Global TD-LTE Initiative.
Germany
Bouygues Telecom trialled LTE1800 in 10 MHz

using 2 x 2 MIMO at sites in Orlans and ran a pilot
network in Lyon from June 2012.
A multiband spectrum auction was completed in May

2010, covering 360 MHz in 4 bands: 800 MHz (digital
dividend), 1800 MHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.6 GHz. All 4
incumbents acquired 2.6 GHz to be used for LTE.
Telefonica O2, Vodafone and Deutsche Telekom
(but not E Plus) additionally acquired 800 MHz
spectrum for LTE. The 800 MHz spectrum raised
3.576 billion, i.e. over 81.5% of the auctions total
value. E Plus is able to use 900 MHz spectrum (in
which HSPA+ will be deployed) also for LTE if it does
not cause interference with other mobile networks.
Regulator ARCEP auctioned 2.6 GHz spectrum and

confirmed the successful bidders and allocations:
Bouygues: 2535-2550 MHz/2655-2670 MHz

Free Mobile: 2550-2570 MHz/2670-2690 MHz
FT/Orange: 2515-2535 MHz/2635-2655 MHz
SFR: 2500-2515 MHz/2620-2635 MHz
On January 17, 2012 ARCEP announced 800 MHz

spectrum had been won by Orange, SFR and
Bouygues Telecom, each receiving 2 x 10 MHz.
E Plus completed LTE trials in 2.1 GHz, 1800 MHz,

2.6 GHz and LTE TDD 2.6 GHz. E-Plus is a member
of the Global TD-LTE Initiative. Since July 2011 the E
Plus HQ building has LTE1800 trial coverage and
having received re-farming approval in January 2013
the company commercial launched its LTE1800
network on March 6, 2014 for customers in Berlin,
Leipzig and Nrnberg.
Bouygues Telecom commercially launched LTE

using 2.6 GHz on May 6, 2013 in Lyon, Strasbourg,
Issy-les-Moulineaux,
Vanves,
Malakoff,
and
Toulouse. The company requested permission from
ARCEP to use its 1800 MHz for LTE. Approval was
36
March 31, 2014
Vodafone launched the first rural LTE mobile

broadband service across Germany on December 1,
2010 and plans to upgrade all base stations to LTE.
In March 2013 the company announced LTE service
reached 65% of the population. In August 2013
Vodafone announced it had increased the theoretical
peak downlink speed to 150 Mbps using 2.6 GHz
spectrum in Dortmund, Dresden, Dusseldorf and
Munich with other cities to follow over the next weeks.
Regulator BNetz is consulting on post-2016

requirements for channels in the 900 and 1800 MHz
bands (GSM assignments expire in December 2016).
Georgia
Magticom is trialling LTE. 1800 MHz (LTE1800) is an
option.
Greece
Deutsche Telekom (DT) commercially launched its

Call & Surf Comfort via Funk LTE service in 800
MHz on April 5, 2011. In February 2011 the company
announced plans to launch LTE in 1800 MHz
(LTE1800) and 2.6 GHz bands. The Speedstick LTE
dongle was offered from Q3 2011 supporting LTE in
800, 1800 and 2600 MHz bands plus DC-HSPA+,
HSPA and WCDMA in 2100 MHz, and EDGE/GPRS.
The company commercially launched LTE service in
Cologne on July 1, 2011 in 1800 MHz (LTE1800).
Peak downlink throughput was increased to 150
Mbps in September 2013 and is now available in ver
150 cities.
Cosmote completed LTE testing in 900 and 1800

MHz which included a pilot LTE network running at its
technical and network HQ near Athens. An extended
cell technology trial was completed in 2011. Cosmote
launched commercial LTE1800 service on November
16, 2012 in Athens and Thessaloniki. Coverage has
reached 55% of the population embracing 30 main
cities and across 0ver 100 regions (December 2013).
The company claimed over 100,000 LTE
subscriptions by end 2013.
Vodafone commercially launched a limited LTE1800
service (for users with dongles and personal
hotspots) on December 17, 2012 in Athens. A full
commercial launch followed in June 2013.
DT tested an LTE 44 MIMO system, capable of a

theoretical 250 Mbps peak download. DT confirmed
in early September 2013 plans to upgrade to LTEAdvanced. DT is also deploying VoLTE.
Regulator EETT completed an auction of 900 and

1800 MHz technology-neutral licences on November
14, 2011 to incumbents Cosmote, Vodafone and
Wind raising 380.5 million Euros. Operators will
deploy LTE in either or both bands. EETT is also
consulting on potential granting of technology neutral
licences in 3.4 - 3.8 GHz spectrum.
Telefonica O2 commercially launched LTE service

on July 1, 2011 in rural areas using digital dividend
(800 MHz) spectrum, marketing the service as "O2
LTE fr Zuhause (at home). On July 3, 2012 O2
commercially launched mobile LTE service in urban
areas, initially Nuremberg and Dresden, followed by
other major cities including Berlin and Munich on
March 31, 2013. More cities were added in 2013 and
LTE coverage has reached 40% of the population.In
November 2013 O2 Germany announced deployment
of 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz carrier aggregation in
some base stations enabling theoretical downlink
speed up to 225 Mbps using prototype Cat 6 devices.
VoLTE including SRVCC has been activated
successfully in a trial area in the live network.
Telefonica O2 plans to take over E Plus. Regulatory
approvals are required; the deal may close mid-2014.
Greenland
Tele-Post Greenland commercially launched LTE in
Nuuk on December 1, 2013 in 800 MHz (band 20) for
mobile broadband users. Coverage was extended to
Sisimiut on March 28, 2014.
Hungary
Magyar Telekom (MT) commercially launched LTE
technology-based services in the 1800 MHz band on
January 1, 2012 initially covering 10 districts of
Budapest (over 40% of Budapests population was
covered). By the end of year 2013, LTE1800 was
launched in 88 settlements covering 38% of the total
Hungarian population outdoor.
WiMAX operator Deutsche Breitband Dienste

(DBD) has a licence with 42 to 70 MHz of 3.5 GHz
spectrum nationwide and plans to deploy LTE TDD.
37
March 31, 2014
Telenor Hungary commercially launched LTE on

July 5, 2012 using 1800 MHz (LTE1800) under the
brand Hipernet 84. Telenor offers 84 Mbps maximum
nominal download speed in 60 towns covering
700,000 population (July 2012), which was expanded
to 76 towns by February 2013. The network was
upgraded in October 2013 to support 150 Mbps peak
downlink using additional 1800 MHz spectrum (total
20 MHz paired).
Meteor, Telefnica and Vodafone were each awarded

spectrum in both the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands.
All 4 operators will deploy commercial LTE networks.
Vodafone Hungary announced completion of second

phase trials of LTE on June 1, 2011. A commercial
LTE network is planned.
Vodafone commercially launched data-only LTE

service in 800 MHz (band 20) on October 14, 2013 in
6 cities and 23 towns. Smartphones were supported
from December 10, 2013 at which time LTE coverage
in an additional 8 towns was confirmed.
Meteor commercially launched LTE service using

800 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum on September 26,
2013 in Dublin, Carlow and Athlone, covering 1.2
million customers, almost 30% of the population.
Meteor planned 40% pops coverage by end 2013.
The regulator NMHH

has published draft
documentation for its planned spectrum auction in the
800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands.
3 Ireland commercially launched LTE1800 on

January 27, 2014 at no additional charge to current
data plans until July 31, 2014 with over 60%
coverage initially in Galway, Limerick and Waterford.
Iceland
Nova commercially launched LTE1800 on April 4,
2013 in Reykjavik. Nova won an auction for 1800
MHz and 800 MHz spectrum for LTE in March 2013,
alongside Fjarskipti (Vodafone) and Simmin.
O2 Ireland plans commercial launch of LTE in 2014

and in September 2013 commenced trials in the cities
of Dublin, Cork and Galway. Its parent Telefonica
has announced the intended sale of O2 Ireland to
Hutchison 3. O2 Ireland will operate as normal
pending merger approval by regulatory authorities including the EU which must rule on the deal by
March 24, 2014.
Fjarskipti commercially launched LTE using 800

MHz on July 4th, 2013. The company advised GSA
that 1800 MHz (LTE1800) will also be used later.
Nova and Fjarskipti are understood to be discussing
a network sharing agreement.
Imagine Group has about 220 MHz of 3.5 GHz

spectrum (bands 42, 43) in all strategic parts of the
country and is currently operating a WiMAX 802.16e
network nationally. The company has informed GSA
of its intention to upgrade this network to LTE TDD in
early 2014 and is currently conducting trials of LTE.
Imagine is a member of the Global TD-LTE Initiative.
Siminn commercially launched LTE1800 on January

15, 2014 using 2 x 20 MHz 1800 MHz spectrum
offering 100/50 Mbps data speed and CSFB voice.
New entrant 365 Media won 800 MHz spectrum and
plans to cover 99.5% of the population by end 2016.
ComReg is considering the future of the 2.6 GHz

band including a review of the operation of existing
licences within this spectrum which are used for the
provision of Pay TV services and MMDS. All MMDS
licences expire on April 18, 2014. ComReg proposes
that the current MMDS licences should be renewed
for 2 years i.e. to April 18, 2016 and that a
competitive process be implemented to award new
licences on a service and technology neutral basis
which could be used e.g. for MMDS or LTE services.
Regulator PTA launched a consultation about future

use of 2.6 GHz; comments by November 14, 2013.
Ireland
Regulator ComReg launched the auction process on
May 25, 2012 to cover the 800, 900 and 1800 MHz
bands for the period 2013-2030. In total 140 MHz of
paired spectrum was offered. The results were
announced on November 15, 2012. Meteor,
Telefnica O2 and Vodafone were each awarded
blocks in the 800 MHz band. Hutchison 3 Ireland,
In September 2013 ComReg launched a consultation

about allocating unsold 1800 MHz spectrum. In
38
March 31, 2014
January 2014 ComReg announced that no bids had

been received and the spectrum remains unsold.
Jersey
Clear Mobitel announced September 17, 2010 it had
received a 2.6 GHz LTE test license.
Italy
Italys spectrum auction closed with the four
incumbents TIM, Vodafone Italy, Wind and 3 Italia
submitting bids totalling over 3.9 billion. Spectrum
was awarded in 800, 1800 and 2600 MHz bands for
use from end 2011 (1800 MHz), end 2012 (2.6 GHz),
and January 2013 (800 MHz).
Kazakhstan
Altel (CDMA operator) (JSC Kazakhtelecom and JSC
ALTEL) commercially launched LTE1800 branded
ALTEL4G in Astana and Almaty on December 25,
2012 which was extended to Aktau, Aktobe, Atyrau,
Karaganda, Ust-Kamenogorsk and Shymkent in
December 2013. Altel claimed 110,000 LTE
subscriptions by December 31, 2013.
3 Italia is deploying LTE1800 using 15 MHz and in

2013 plans to offer multicarrier aggregation (LTEAdvanced) allowing LTE1800 and LTE2600 to be
used together. 3 Italia acquired TDD spectrum (band
38) for future deployment. 3 Italia launched a smallscale trial in Acuto on November 6, 2012.
Commercial service was launched in Milan and Rome
in December 2012.
Tele2 has signaled interest in deploying LTE. Kcell

plans to deploy a commercial LTE network and on
July 29, 2010 announced installation of a base station
in Astana to showcase LTE. On April 26, 2010
Beeline confirmed completion of LTE tests in 700
MHz, and in October 2010 announced launch of an
LTE pilot network in Almaty.
Wind obtained spectrum for LTE deployment in 800

MHz and 2.6 GHz bands and is expected to
commercially launch during 2014.
TeliaSonera acquired the WiMAX operations of

Alem Communications including a network in 6 major
cities and 2.6 GHz (band 38) spectrum, which is
compatible for other technologies e.g. LTE TDD.
Vodafone Italy announced it had secured 60 MHz of

new spectrum, comprising 2 x 10 MHz in 800 MHz, 2
x 5 MHz in 1800 MHz, and 2 x 15 MHz in 2.6 GHz.
Vodafone commercially launched LTE1800 service
on November 6, 2012 in Milan and Rome. By end
June 2013 LTE service was available in 40 cities. In
February 2014 Vodafone announced that its LTEAdvanced trial in Naples, which combined 1800 MHz
and 2.6 GHz spectrum using carrier aggregation,
achieved over 250 Mbps downlink data speed.
Frequencies to be allocated by the government for

LTE include 700/800 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz.
Kyrgyzstan
Saima Telecom launched commercial 2.6 GHz FDD
LTE services in Bishtek on December 9, 2011.
Telecom Italia (TIM) launched its LTE program in

2009 followed by trials. A public users trial was
launched in Turin February 16-22, 2012. TIM has
spectrum for LTE in 800, 1800 and 2600 MHz bands.
Commercial service was launched on November 7,
2012 using LTE1800 in Rome, Milan, Turin and
Naples. TIM stated that LTE coverage was available
in 651 municipalities by end 2013.
According to reports, the National

Agency allocated spectrum for LTE
12 companies: AsiaInfo, Global
ToTel, Aknet, Kurulush Invest,
Plus, Aytel, Foris Telecom, WTT,
and Intranet KG.
Communications
and WiMAX to
Telecom Asia,
T-Com, Fraton
Saima Telecom
WiMAX operator AFT-Linkem is licensed in 13

regions and plans to introduce 3.5 GHz LTE TDD. A
trial was started in June 2013. Customers will be
offered dual mode WiMAX / LTE CPE terminals.
LMT commercially launched LTE1800 on May 31,

2011.
Latvia
Bite is deploying a commercial LTE network.
39
March 31, 2014
Fixed operator Lattelecom is reported to be ready to

offer LTE services, subject to shareholder approval
and carried out tests in 850MHz in 2011. CDMA
operator Triatel tested LTE in 800 MHz.
POST, Orange and Tango and granted extra 1800

MHz spectrum at their request.
After a day and half of bidding starting January 2,

2012 LMT, Tele2, Bite and Baltcom gained new 2.6
GHz spectrum, which can be used from January 1,
2014. 800 MHz band 20 will be auctioned in future.
Tango commercially launched LTE1800 on October

1, 2012.
Orange commercially launched LTE1800 on October
29, 2012.
POST (formerly P&T) commercially launched
LTE1800 in October 2013.
Liechtenstein
Macedonia
Orange commercially launched LTE using 1800 MHz

spectrum (LTE1800) on September 2, 2013.
Regulator AEC held an auction for 800 MHz (band

20) and 1800 MHz spectrum. VIP mobile, ONE
(Telekom Slovenije Group) and T-Mobile were each
awarded blocks of 2x 10 MHz in 800 MHz and 2x 15
MHz in 1800 MHz spectrum.
Lithuania
Regulator RRT confirmed the result of the 2.6 GHz
auction on March 20, 2012. Winners were Omnitel,
Tele2 and Bite. Coverage obligations were stipulated.
T-Mobile commercially launched LTE service using

800 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum on December 2,
2013 in most of Skopje and Mavrovo for customers
owning LTE devices and the appropriate type of SIM.
Omnitel commercially launched LTE on April 28,

2011 in Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipda, iauliai and
Panevys using 1800 MHz (LTE1800). Omnitel won
2 x 20 MHz of 2.6 GHz in the March 2012 auction. On
December 18, 2013 Omnitel announced coverage
had expanded to include Elektrn, Kaiiadori,
ilals, Kryiok, Balsi and Pavilnio and is targeted
to reach 50% of population by end 2014.
VIP mobile said LTE would be enabled using 800

MHz, and commercially launched by August 1, 2014.
ONE began LTE-related activities in 2012 and is
committed to deploying a commercial LTE network.
Malta
Tele2 won 2 x 20 MHz of 2.6 GHz spectrum in the

auction, and launched LTE service in Alytus, Jonava,
Marijampole, Mazeikiai and Utena in March 2013.
Vodafone commercially launched LTE1800 on

November 1, 2013 in Valletta, Sliema and St. Julians.
Moldova
Bite Lithuania is deploying LTE and obtained 2 x 20

MHz of 2.6 GHz spectrum in the auction.
Following receipt of a 2.6 GHz license from regulator

ANRCETI a few days earlier, Orange commercially
launched LTE on November 20, 2012 in Chiinu. By
November 2013 LTE coverage reached 10 cities
representing 30% of the population. 150 Mbps peak
speeds was offered in 12 major cities from February
28, 2014.
In October 2013 RRT announced the results of its

auction of 800 MHz (band 20) licences comprising
one 10 MHz paired plus 4x 5 MHz paired blocks:
Bite won 791-801 / 832-842 MHz
Omnitel: 801-806/842-847 & 806-811/847-852 MHz
Tele2: 811-816/852-857 & 816-821/857-862 MHz
Moldcell launched LTE service for corporate

customers in newly-acquired 2.6 GHz spectrum on
November 16, 2012. Commercial service was
extended to all customers on December 24, 2012.
Using 800 MHz spectrum, Omnitel said it plans to

cover 50% of the population by 2014.
Luxembourg
CDMA operator InterDnestrCom (IDC) launched

commercial LTE service in 800 MHz in Trans-
Regulator Institute Luxembourgeois de Rgulation

(ILR) introduced technology neutral licences for
40
March 31, 2014
Dniester in the capital Tiraspol, connecting its first

customer April 21, 2012.
and Tilburg. The company plans to launch VoLTE.

800 MHz will be brought into use.
ANRCETI offered 4G licences to each of the 3 mobile

networks for spectrum in the ranges 2500-2690 MHz
and 3600-3800 MHz. Each license cost EUR10
million. ANRCETI also plans a public tender for a
license to use 3750-3800 MHz spectrum.
KPN commercially launched LTE in 2.6 GHz on May

11, 2012 in The Hague and Utrecht for business
users. Commercial service using 800 MHz spectrum
was launched in Amsterdam in February 2013.
Refarmed 1800 MHz (LTE1800) was brought into use
in late 2013. Its LTE network now covers over 80% of
the population. Several international roaming
partnerships have been announced in Asia, Europe,
the Middle East and South America.
Monaco
Monaco Telecom commercially launched 2.6 GHz
LTE on October 1, 2013 in 98% of the Principality.
T-Mobile commercially launched LTE on May 11,

2012 for business users in Delft, Gorinchem, Leiden,
Rotterdam and The Hague in 2.6 GHz spectrum.
LTE1800 was also brought into service for the
consumer launch on November 18, 2013.
Montenegro
On November 8, 2011 Telenor announced start of
LTE trials in Podgorica. Commercial service in 2.6
GHz was confirmed on November 8, 2012 in the
municipalities of Podgorica, Bar, Niksic and Cetinje.
Regulator OPTA started an auction of 800, 900 and

1800 MHz spectrum on October 31, 2012. 2 x 10
MHz in the 800 MHz band and 2 x 5 MHz in the 900
MHz band was reserved for new entrants. The sale
achieved 3.8 billion Euros. KPN, Vodafone and TMobile won new spectrum; Ziggo-UPC withdrew.
T-Mobile Crna Gora commercially launched

LTE1800 service on November 28, 2013 in
Podgorica, Niki, Budva, Bar, Kotor, Tivat and
Herceg Novi.
Norway
Velatel (Montenegro Connect) has 40 MHz in 3.5

GHz and is deploying an LTE TDD network.
Norway held Europes first 2.6 GHz spectrum auction

in 2007, Awards were made to TeleNor and
TeliaSonera (NetCom); total allocation 2 x 90 MHz.
Netherlands
2.6 GHz FDD spectrum was auctioned in April 2010,
and awarded to KPN, Vodafone, T-Mobile,
newcomers Ziggo 4 (an MVNO) and Tele2. The TDD
spectrum was left unsold.
TeliaSonera launched the worlds first LTE networks

in Oslo (NetCom) and Sweden using 2.6 GHz
spectrum in December 2009. TeliaSonera also
commercially used refarmed 1800 MHz (LTE1800) in
its NetCom network from Q4 2011. 800 MHz is also
used to achieve 65% population coverage by end
April 2014.
Vodafone NL launched commercial LTE service

using 2.6 GHz in Eindhoven on May 1, 2012.
Vodafone launched its 4G services in Amsterdam,
The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht on August 5,
2013 using 800 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum.
Vodafone is studying how to introduce VoLTE. In
March 2014 the company was reported as having
completed LTE-Advanced laboratory trials.
TeleNor deployed its LTE network initially using 2.6

GHz. Commercial service launch was confirmed on
October 10, 2012 for customers in 11 cities and
towns: Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger,
Lrenskog, Sandnes, Lillestrm, Asker, Brum,
Lofthus. Longyearbyen. Fredrikstad, Sarpsborg,
Skien, Porsgrunn, Drammen and Kristiansand were
covered by end 2012. LTE1800 is now also used in
Troms. LTE coverage reached 52% by mid-March
2014. Telenor is currently deploying sites using 800
MHz to ensure 90% population coverage by 2015.
Ziggo commercially launched LTE on May 3, 2012

for its Internet Plus business users in Breda, Oss, and
Zwolle. Ziggo is targeting business users only.
Tele2 NL commercially launched LTE on May 8,
2012 in Amstelveen, Amsterdam, Haarlem, Lelystad
41
March 31, 2014
Regulator NPT held a spectrum auction

commenced on December 2, 2013. Results:
that
Polkomtels
own
LTE1800
network
was
commercially launched in September 2012. The
companys Plus LTE network covers two thirds of the
population (January 2014). Polkomtel and Cyfrowy
Polsat have trialled LTE-Advanced, reaching 225
Mbps downlink data speed in tests.
Telenor won 2 x 10 MHz of 800 MHz, 2 x 5 MHz of

900 MHz and 2 x 10 MHz of 1800 MHz.
TeliaSonera won 2 x 10 MHz of 800 MHz, 2 x 10
MHz of 1800 MHz and 2 x 5 MHz of 900 MHz.
Sferia holds 850 MHz spectrum (band 5) in which

LTE technology is now being deployed as part of their
co-operation with NFI Midas for constructing their
existing LTE network, used by Polkomtel and by
MVNO Cyfrowy Polsat. NFI Midas is a private equity
fund focused on the telecommunication, media and
technologies sectors and forms a capital group
committed to provision of LTE technology. As a result
of legal arguments where it was stated Sferia could
not use this band as intended, Sferia was instead
allocated a 5 MHz paired block of 800 MHz digital
dividend spectrum (band 20) for LTE deployment.
Telco Data won 2 x 10 MHz of 800 MHz and 2 x 5

MHz of 900 MHz and 2 x 20 MHz of 1800 MHz.
Tele2 plans to deploy an LTE network but did not
gain any new spectrum in the auction. The company
informed GSA that it can use its existing 20 MHz
holding in 2100 MHz for 3G and LTE. Tele2 will also
seek access to 15 MHz of paired 1800 MHz spectrum
(band 3) left over from the auction.
Poland
The worlds first LTE1800 network was deployed by
Aero2 and commercially launched on September 7,
2010 by Mobyland and CenterNet. The primary
customer is Cyfrowy Polsat an MVNO, who
launched commercial services on August 30, 2011.
(GSA does not categorize MVNOs as networks therefore Cyfrowy Polsat is not included in GSAs list
of commercially launched LTE networks).
6 companies including Sferia submitted bids for 5 lots

of 1800 MHz auctioned by regulator UKE and all
participated in the auction, which ended mid-February
2013. The winners were Play and T-Mobile.
Play commercially launched 150 Mbps LTE1800 in
13 cities on November 11, 2013.
T-Mobile (PTC/ERA) is expected to commercially
launch LTE1800 in Q1 2014.
In November 2009 Aero2, a member of the Global

TD-LTE Initiative, acquired 50 MHz in Band 38 for
LTE TDD. After testing in Aleksandrw dzki and
d, Aero2 announced launch of their LTE TDD
network in May 2011 and start of availability of their
dual LTE network, since Aero2 had already deployed
an LTE1800 network as stated above.
PTK Centertel (Orange) and P4 (Play) are deploying

a shared LTE network and this JV is allowed to bid in
the upcoming 2.6 GHz auction.
WiMAX operator Milmex in southern Poland, plans
to introduce 3.5 GHz LTE TDD in 2014 and also
seeks LTE-suitable 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum.
Polkomtel was acquired on June 30, 2011 by

Spartan Capital Holdings, which is indirectly
controlled by Zygmunt Solorz-Zak, chairman/founder
of Cyfrowy Polsat, and who controls Aero2, owner of
Mobyland. Polkomtel operates a GSM 900/1800 and
3G/2100 network. Polkomtel launched commercial
LTE services as an MVNO on November 29, 2011
under its Plus brand, utilizing the LTE 1800 and
HSPA+900
networks
of
Aero2
and
Mobyland/Centernet in 16 major cities, representing
22% population coverage.
(Note: GSA does not categorize MVNOs as
networks - therefore Polkomtel is not included in
GSAs list of commercially launched LTE networks).
On December 30, 2013 regulator UKE announced

plans to auction 800 MHz (band 20) and 2.6 GHz
(band 7) spectrum. Bids were required by February
13, 2014. But the auction was cancelled because a
technical problem meant that clarifications about the
auction rules were unavailable for a time.
Portugal
Regulator ANACOM announced the results of its
auction on December 12, 2011 after 9 bidding
rounds. 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum
42
March 31, 2014
was sold to the 3 incumbents. Vodafone also

acquired 2 x 5 MHz of new 900 MHz spectrum, but
another block was not sold. Spectrum in 450 MHz
and 2.1 GHz was not sold.
GHz for LTE and commercially launched LTE1800

data service on April 29, 2013 in Bucharest, Otopeni,
Ploiesti, Cluj, Iasi, Sinaia, Busteni, and Predeal.
RCS & RDS plans to deploy LTE in newly acquired
900 MHz spectrum, which can be used from 2014.
Meo (formerly TMN) launched commercial LTE

service on March 12, 2012 in 2.6 GHz. Population
coverage exceeded 80% in April 2012 when 800 MHz
(band 20) spectrum was brought into use.
2K Telecom won 2 blocks of 15 MHz of 2.6 GHz

TDD spectrum (band 38) and anticipates service
launch in early 2014.
Vodafone commercially launched LTE service on

March 12, 2012 in 2.6 GHz and 800 MHz spectrum.
LTE1800 was brought into service in October 2012.
On December 16, 2013 the company announced it
had achieved 300 Mbps downlink in an LTEAdvanced trial using carrier aggregation with 1800
MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum, targeting commercial
launch 1H 2014.
In October 2012 ANCOM published a draft Decision

proposing to allow use of 900 and 1800 MHz for 4G
(including LTE). 4G systems may also be deployed
using 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz from 2014. Operators
may choose whether to implement new technologies
in these frequencies, deployment timescale, and date
of commercial service launch. The draft decision is
subject to consultation before becoming effective.
Optimus launched commercial LTE service on March

15, 2012 using 1800 MHz (LTE1800) and 2.6 GHz in
more dense areas. 800 MHz is used in less dense
areas. The company is trialling LTE-Advanced.
In January 2014 ANCOM opened a consultation

regarding one 5 MHz block of 800 MHz (band 20) and
eight 5 MHz blocks of 2.6 GHz (band 7) spectrum left
unsold in the September 2012 auction.
Romania
Russia
On July 2, 2012 regulator ANCOM published the
rules for the auction of 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz
and 2.6 GHz spectrum for mobile communications
services in the 2013-2029 timeframe. The auction
was held on September 10, 2012.
MTS,
Vimpelcom,
Tele2,
MegaFon
and
Rostelecom are committed to deploying LTE. The
Regulator in principle admits that technology
neutrality can be applied to 900/1800MHz spectrum.
However, to avoid GSM service quality deterioration if
LTE is launched alongside GSM frequencies this
topic was examined further in a study in 2012.
Orange acquired new spectrum in the 800, 900, 1800

and 2.6 GHz bands in the auction. Orange Romania
commercially launched LTE1800 service on
December 12, 2012 in Bucharest and holiday resorts.
On February 2, 2012 MTS announced the company

had been awarded the first license to provide LTE
services in Moscow and the Moscow region. The
license granted is for LTE TDD deployment in the
2595 2620 MHz range (in band 38) and is valid until
December 29, 2016. MTS announced commercial
launch of its LTE TDD service (replacing its WiMAX
service) on September 1, 2012 initially covering most
of Moscow and 40 population centers in the
surrounding Moscow region.
Vodafone also acquired additional 800, 900, 1800

and 2.6 GHz spectrum for EUR 228.52 million. On
October 31, 2012 Vodafone announced pilot
LTE1800 networks had been deployed. Commercial
LTE1800 service was launched in 10 cities (Arad,
Bacau, Brasov, Bucharest, Cluj, Constanta, Craiova,
Iasi, Galati and Timisoara) on November 20, 2012.
Orange and Vodafone reached a network sharing
agreement to support expansion and rural coverage.
Tele2 Russia requested permission to deploy

LTE1800. In October 2011 Tele2 indicated it would
conduct an independent trial of LTE technology in the
1800 MHz band, and applied to the State
Commission for Radio Frequencies (SCRF) for
Cosmote acquired one block in 800 MHz, 2 blocks in

900 MHz, 5 blocks in 1800 MHz and 2 blocks in 2.6
GHz. Comsote will initially use 1800 MHz and 2.6
43
March 31, 2014
permission to run tests in Pskov and Omsk, setting

aside 5 MHz of spectrum in 1800 MHz for the tests.
Tele2 has already provided the results of earlier
research commissioned by themselves as well as
from reports by leading global manufacturers of
telecommunication equipment showing that GSM and
LTE networks can operate simultaneously in the 1800
MHz frequency band. The efficiency of this solution
was clearly demonstrated by research carried out and
published in a report by the Global mobile Suppliers
Association (GSA) this free report Embracing the
1800MHz opportunity: Driving mobile forward with
LTE in the 1800MHz band may be downloaded by
registered
GSA
website
site
users
at
www.gsacom.com
In December 2013 the board of Rostelecom

approved the plan to contribute its mobile assets into
a joint venture with Tele2 Russia. The new company
will be known as T2 RTK Holding.
MegaFon and Rostelecom, general partners of the
Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games, successfully
tested LTE networks close to the key Sochi site of
Roza Khutor. The Defence Ministry has reportedly
given Rostelecom approval to deploy LTE TDD in
2.3 GHz spectrum. MegaFon showcased LTE at the
IX International Investment Forum (Sochi) in Sept
2010. Rostelecom activated LTE sites in Krasnodar
and in Sochi for the Winter Olympics.
Megafon acquired WiMAX operator Synterra in
2010, and commercially launched LTE TDD using 2.6
GHz (band 38) spectrum in Moscow on September 1,
2012. Megafon also has an agreement with Yota and
since 1H 2012 has been operating as an MVNO over
Yotas LTE network in Moscow and other cities.
Tele2 Russia announced successful completion of

tests by end March 2012 in trial zones in Omsk and
Pskov. Tests were performed according to a method
developed by the State Radio Institute and with the
assistance of its experts, and intended to
demonstrate that LTE and GSM technologies can
share the same frequencies without degrading the
quality of end user service. Tele2 showed that the
test results confirmed that there was no service
quality degradation in the GSM network, while the
data transmission rate in the LTE network reached 75
megabits per second. A detailed report on the LTE
technology testing in the 1800 MHz band was
prepared by NIIR and submitted to the State
Commission for Radio Frequencies.
www.en.tele2.ru/news.html?year=2012&month=3
&news_id=6170
In September 2011 SCRF issued an authorization for

Yota (Scartel) to deploy an LTE FDD network in 2.6
GHz spectrum in 180 cities. Yota is shifting from
WiMAX to LTE and launched commercial LTE FDD
service in Novosibirsk, Siberia on January 15, 2012
following a friendly-launch test phase which began on
December 20, 2011. Yota launched commercial LTE
service in Moscow on May 10, 2012, Krasnodar (also
on May 10), and Sochi (May 11) and plans to deploy
1,550 LTE-enabled base stations instead of current
WiMAX equipment. Service has since been
launched in several other locations. Yota expects its
whole customer base will migrate to LTE within three
years. In October 2012 Yota announced that a test
LTE-Advanced network had been deployed in
Moscow, featuring Carrier Aggregation (Release 10
feature). Yota is also implementing VoLTE with
SRVCC. See information below about the companys
acquisition by Megafon.
Tele2s owners exited from Russia with the

announcement on April 4, 2013 that the business had
been sold to Russian bank VTB Group following
receipt of FAS approval. VTB purchased 100% of the
business for subsequent resale.
On June 20, 2013 Tele2 announced launch of LTE
testing in 1800 MHz in its network in Kaluga Region.
The tests comply with the methodology drafted by
NIIR and aim to confirm that the use of LTE and GSM
technologies in the same frequency range is efficient
and does not entail deterioration of quality. Tele2 and
NIIR completed the tests by 24 June 2013. NIIR
produced the detailed report on LTE tests in 1800
MHz for the State Commission for Radio Frequencies
(GKRCh). The GKRCh confirmed on December 11,
2013 that technology neutrality is allowed, allowing
LTE to be deployed in 1800 MHz (LTE1800).
In September 2011, VimpelCom announced an LTE

network-sharing deal with rival MTS, while MegaFon
and Rostelecom signed an agreement with Yota to
jointly use operators infrastructure. The future of this
deal is uncertain following the completion of the LTE
auction procedure (see below).
Military operator OJSC Osnova Telecom has a
license for 2.3 GHz LTE TDD. On November 28,
2013 the company announced technical readiness to
44
March 31, 2014
launch LTE in 18 cities but commercial launch has

been delayed due to legal challenges.
bids to participate in the auction, MegaFon,

Vimpelcom, MTS, Rostelecom, Summa Telecom,
TTK, Tele2-Voronezh, and Tele2-Omsk. LTE
licences were granted to MTS, Vimpelcom,
Megafon, and Rostelecom with the conditions that
the networks must be launched by mid 2013, annual
investment targets must be met (RUB 15 billion), and
nationwide coverage by 2019. Each operator was
granted spectrum within band 20 (720-750 MHz and
761791 MHz) plus 2,5002,690 MHz spectrum.
Vainakh Telecom deployed a commercial LTE TDD

network in 2.3 GHz (band 40) in Chechnya.
Commercial service launch in Grozny was delayed
from early 2013 because of a dispute about local
equipment manufacturer certification. Commercial
service was officially launched on September 3, 2013.
Antares Group has deployed 5 LTE base stations for
a trial network using 1900 1920 MHz (Band 33)
spectrum in Moscow.
TTK launched a LTE test network in the Voronezh

region in May 2013.
GSM1800 regional operator MOTIV (Sverdlovsk

Region) has obtained a licence deploy an LTE
network across the regions of Kurgan, Yugra, YamalNenets, and Yekaterinburg.
Megafon commercially launched LTE FDD service on

May 14, 2013 in Moscow using its own network and 2
x 10 MHz of 2.6 GHz (band 7) spectrum. Currently
Megafon has commercial LTE service in 50 regions
of Russia. It has not been possible to bring 800 MHz
into use so far due to negotiations with the military.
SMARTS Group has deployed a pilot LTE trial

network in Ufa. The trial comprised at least 7 base
stations and re-used SMARTS existing 1800 MHz
spectrum. The trial involved cooperation of the NIIR
and the findings were presented to SCRF. SMARTS
has committed to deploy a commercial LTE1800
system.
Megafon obtained regulatory approval for its

proposed takeover of Scartel (Yota) and formally
announced on October 1, 2013 its acquisition of
Maxiten,
the
holding
company
controlling
Scartel/Yota. As a result MegaFon obtained 40 MHz
of 2.6 GHz spectrum and 648,000 LTE subscribers.
The Yota LTE network covers 27% of the population.
Regional operator JSC Tattelecom (Republic of

Tatarstan) has received a licence to deploy LTE
services using 1800 MHz spectrum which was
acquired (together with 900 MHz spectrum) in the
summer of 2013 when the company acquired GSM
operator JSC SMARTS-Kazan.
On February 25, 2014 MegaFon announced the

commercial launch of the worlds first 300 Mbps LTE
Advanced network, supporting Cat 6 user devices.
MegaFon uses a combination of its own 2.6 GHz
spectrum and 2.6 GHz allocated to Scartel. The
service currently works within the Garden Ring in
Moscow. Throughout 2014, network coverage will be
expanded to encompass the entire area within the
Moscow Automobile Ring Road (MKAD) and in
future, the company plans to expand coverage to
include Russias largest cities. A new brand name,
4G+, has been developed to promote mobile Internet
from MegaFon. To access the 300 Mbps LTEAdvanced service, users can purchase the MegaFon
Space router (R3001), a category 6 CPE device
supplied by Huawei. Company press release:
3.5 GHz WiMAX operator Enforta, providing

services to business users in 172 cities, tested LTE
TDD in Kemerovo. A commercial network will not be
built as the company has agreed to give up these
frequencies for use by others for LTE deployments.
Smoltelecom is planning to introduce LTE TDD and
is a member of the Global TD-LTE Initiative.
On May 3, 2012 Russian regulator Roskomnadzor
published the conditions for application for and
subsequent awarding of LTE licences in 791-862
MHz spectrum, comprising four lots, each consisting
of two 7.5 MHz blocks in the range of 791-862 MHz.
Recipients of each of the lots would also be awarded
two 7.5 MHz blocks in the 720-791 MHz range and
two 10 MHz blocks in the 2500 2690 MHz range. All
licences are nationwide. Eight companies submitted
http://english.corp.megafon.ru/news/20140225-1833.html
MTS commercially launched LTE FDD service at the

end of May 2013 in Moscow using its own network
and 2 x 10 MHz of 2.6 GHz (band 7) spectrum. It has
45
March 31, 2014
not been possible to bring the 800 MHz spectrum into

use so far due to negotiations with the military.
- Orange Slovensko: 2 x 10 MHz 800 MHz, 2 x 4.8

MHz 1800 MHz, 2 x 20 MHz 2.6 GHz
- T-Mobile Slovensko: 2 x 10 MHz 800 MHz, 2 x 40
MHz 2.6 GHz, 50 MHz 2.6 GHz TDD band 38
- Telefonica O2: 2 x 10 MHz 800 MHz, 2 x 0.6 MHz
1800 MHz
- Swan Telecom: 2 x 15 MHz 1800 MHz
Rostelecom confirmed commercial launch of LTE

FDD service in Sochi on June 3, 2013 using 2.6 GHz
and 800 MHz spectrum. The company plans to build
LTE networks in 8 Regions by the end of this year.
Rostelecom plans to deploy LTE using 450 MHz
spectrum (currently used for CDMA) having
completed trials in this band in the Kostroma region in
Decemeber 2013.
Swan Telecom committed to deploy an LTE1800

network by the regulatory deadline of July 8, 2014
and has set up a non-public trial in Trnava.
A new regulator replacing TU SR, the Office for
Electronic Communications and Postal Services, was
established on January 1, 2014
Vimpelcom commercially launched LTE FDD in

Moscow May 27, 2013 using 2.6 GHz spectrum and
plans to cover 80% of the city area by end 2013.
Slovenia
New frequency auctions for 2.6 GHz LTE TDD band
38 spectrum are foreseen during 2014.
Si.mobil announced commercial launch of LTE

service on July 12, 2012 in Ljubljana, Brnik, and Bled
using 1800 MHz spectrum (LTE1800).
Slovak Republic
Regulator TU SR granted licences to Telefonica O2,
Orange and T-Mobile Slovensko for each to trial
LTE FDD networks in 2.6 GHz in Bansk Bystrica.
Telekom Slovenije commercially launched LTE

service under the name of Mobitel LTE/4G on March
20, 2013 using refarmed 1800 MHz spectrum
(LTE1800). Subscribers were able to use LTE with no
additional cost until December 31, 2013 after which
additional charges applied. After 1 year (March 2014)
the LTE network covered 93 cities and towns,
representing 60% of the population. The LTE network
runs together with its UMTS network, which has
continuously been upgraded and which has
supported 42 Mbps DC-HSPA+ since 2011.
Telefonica O2 commercially launched LTE services

on August 2, 2012 using LTE1800.
T-Mobile
Slovensko
commercially
launched
LTE1800 in Trnava, Nitra, Zilina, Banska Bystrica and
Presov on November 15, 2013, with CSFB. Evolution
to VoLTE is planned in future. Coverage reached
20% of the population by December 2013.
Regulator ACOS authorized test spectrum for LTE in

the 700 MHz band (746-756MHz / 777-787 MHz) to a
company called Neuron for tests between October 9,
2012 and January 9, 2013 in Ljubljana.
Orange Slovensko committed to commercial LTE

deployment. In early 2013 Orange returned its
CDMA licence to the regulator due to lower than
expected demand for CDMA-based services.
ACOS announced its planned technology-neutral

spectrum auction in the Official Gazette no 114 on
December 31, 2013 for allocation of spectrum in the
800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 2.6
GHz bands. Initial bids were placed by 3 companies
by the deadline February 17, 2014. The public
auction is planned to start on April 3, 2014.
TU SR conducted an auction of 800 MHz, 1800 MHz

and 2.6 GHz spectrum for LTE in late 2013. Bids
were required by October 7, 2013. Telefonica O2
Slovakia subsequently announced that the company
had won channels in the 800 MHz and 1800 MHz
bands. O2, now owned by investment group PPF,
plans to use 800 MHz and 1800 MHz in its LTE
network. Other winners were Orange and Telefonica
O2 plus new market entrant and domestic 3.5 GHz
WiMAX operator Swan Telecom. Results:
Spain
An auction began on June 29, 2011 for 58 blocks of
800, 900 MHz and 2.6 GHz frequencies, with licences
46
March 31, 2014
valid to 2030. The auction ended on July 29, 2011

raising 1.65bn for 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz licences.
Spectrum was won by Vodafone, Telefnica and
FT-Orange. 800 MHz channels can be used from
2014 after digital TV switchover. 2.6 GHz can be
used now. Vodafone plans to use both bands for
LTE, and re-farm 900 MHz for additional rural HSPA
or LTE-based coverage.
WiMAX operator Neo-Sky commercially launched

LTE TDD service in 3.5 GHz (band 42) in June 2013.
Vodafone commercially launched LTE Cat 4 service

on May 29, 2013 in Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid,
Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Seville and Valencia.
1800 MHz (LTE1800) and 2.6 GHz spectrum is used
with 800 MHz to be used later when it becomes
available for use. The company announced that from
April 1, 2014 LTE coverage will be available in all
provincial capitals. Vodafone has begun carrier
aggregation/LTE-Advanced trials using band 3 and
band 7 spectrum and targeting commercial launch in
2014.
TeliaSonera launched the worlds first LTE networks

in Stockholm and Norway (Oslo) in December 2009.
An 800/1800/2600 MHz multimode modem was
introduced July 2011. By end 2012 almost 700 cities
in Sweden are served. Coverage will double by end
2013. On October 1, 2012 TeliaSonera was the first
LTE operator in Europe to offer an LTE Cat4 modem.
Teliasonera is deploying VoLTE.
Cable operator R (R Cable y Telecomunicaciones

Galicia) is conducting LTE technology trials in 2.6
GHz in FDD and TDD modes, in 3 areas of Galicia.
Sweden
Tele2 Sweden and TeleNor Sweden deployed an

LTE network through a jointly-owned company
(Net4Mobility), which includes spectrum sharing in
900 MHz and 2.6 GHz. Using this network, Tele2
Sweden and TeleNor Sweden commercially
launched LTE services to their respective customers
on November 15, 2010, initially in Stockholm,
Gothenburg, Malmo and Karlskrona. The network
now covers 99% population. In May 2012 Tele2
Sweden and Telenor Sweden announced joint trials
of an LTE-Advanced network. VoLTE was tested in
the network in December 2012 and is planned for
commercial launch by Tele2 in 2014.
Orange commercially launched LTE on July 8, 2013

in Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, Murcia, Seville and
Valencia using 1800 MHz (LTE1800) and 2.6 GHz.
800 MHz will be added when it is available for use.
The company is testing LTE-Advanced in Valencia for
which 20 MHz of 2.6 GHz and 10 MHz of 1800 MHz
spectrum are combined using carrier aggregation.
Yoigo commercially launched LTE service (LTE1800)
on July 18, 2013 in Madrid, targeting 48% population
coverage by end 2013 and in all towns and cities with
over 70,000 population by end March 2014.
Hutchison 3 is deploying an LTE FDD network and

also using 50 MHz of TDD spectrum bought from
Intel. Network technical readiness was announced by
its infrastructure vendor on December 15, 2011.
Commercial LTE service was launched April 23, 2012
according to information provided by the operator to
GSA. LTE is currently offered in Stockholm,
Gothenburg, Malmo and Lund. The LTE network uses
TDD in 2.6 GHz and FDD in 2.6 GHz and 800 MHz.
Customers may also use 3G/HSPA up to 42 Mbps
(peak DL) in 2.1 GHz and 900 MHz bands.
Telefnica offered LTE service from September 13,

2013 as an MVNO on the Yoigo LTE1800 MHz
network and commercially launched service on its
own LTE1800 network in 28 cities from October 2013.
50% pop coverage is planned by end 2013. The
company is trialling VoLTE.
ONO, JazzTel, Euskaltel, R, Telecable and
TelecomCLM won regional 2.6 GHz licences.
Regional start-up COTA commercially launched LTE
TDD fixed access service in band 38 spectrum (2.6
GHz) in Regin de Murcia on March 1, 2013,
branding their service as Murcia4G. The company
informed GSA that coverage reached 35% of the
population in the region of Murcia (end June 2013).
An auction for 800 MHz opened on February 28,

2011 and ended after 5 days and 31 rounds. All the
winners will use this spectrum for LTE.
An auction for 2 x 35 MHz of 1800 MHz spectrum, for
use from January 2013, began on October 11, 2011.
The new licences are valid for 25 years from 2013.
TeliaSonera acquired more nationwide frequencies
47
March 31, 2014
in the 1800 MHz band. The new frequencies are

being used in their LTE network and for strengthening
the mobile telephony network. In addition to its
existing 10 MHz, TeliaSonera acquired 2 x 25 MHz of
1800 MHz spectrum. Net4Mobility also acquired
more 1800 MHz spectrum for LTE1800. It means
Net4Mobility and TeliaSonera each has 2 x 35 MHz in
1800 MHz. A consultation has started to determine
interest/future use of 2.3 GHz (Band 40).
Turkcell demonstrated LTE-Advanced in July 2013,

and achieved downlink speed of around 900 Mbps.
Avea announced in September 15, 2011 completion
of its successful LTE trial of LTE using commercial
base stations. On December 25, 2013 Avea held a
press conference to report progress on their LTE
trials including VoLTE.
Vodafone has trialled LTE and has GSM/HSPA
infrastructure which is LTE-capable.
Switzerland
Orange commercially launched LTE1800 on May 26,
2013. On August 29, 2013 Orange announced that
the data consumption on 4G is strongly increasing
and already, within one month after launch, the 4G
traffic is higher than the entire 2G data traffic. The
LTE network covered 71% of the population by end
2013. Download speeds are up to 150 Mbps (Cat 4).
There is no firm date for an LTE spectrum auction.

Turkmenistan
TMCELL commercially launched 2.6 GHz LTE in
Ashgabat and Turkmenbashi on September 18, 2013.
Ukraine
Swisscom commercially launched LTE on November

29, 2012 in 26 towns and cities and plans 70%
population coverage by end 2013 (50% confirmed at
end May 2013). The network uses 800, 1800
(LTE1800), and 2600 MHz bands. Approx. 400,000
customers use the LTE service. An upgrade for 150
Mbps Cat 4 service has been introduced with
compatible devices offered for sale from June 2013.
MTS-Ukraine is trialling LTE.

ITC (CDMA Ukraine) is considering deploying LTE in
850 MHz spectrum.
United Kingdom
UK Broadband is deploying LTE TDD and on
February 29, 2012 announced switch-on of its first
system in London. This was the worlds first LTE TDD
3.5GHz deployment and the first commercial LTE
deployment in the UK, and uses allocations within the
companys 124 MHz of spectrum in Bands 42 and 43
(3.5/3.6GHz). UK Broadband operates a wholesale
model and launched commercial service on June 28,
2012. LTE service is now available for consumers
and businesses in Reading, Scunthorpe, Southwark
(London), and Swindon. Indoor and outdoor CPEs,
portable hotspots and a femtocell are available in this
band.
Sunrise Communications commercially launched

LTE on June 19, 2013 in Zurich, Bern, Lucerne,
Geneva, Lausanne, Basel-Stadt, and several other
locations, using 1800 MHz (LTE1800) and 2.6 GHz.
The company advised GSA that 800 MHz (band 20)
will also be brought into commercial use soon.
Sunrise is targeting 50% pops covered by end 2013,
90% by end 2014, and 97% (as 3G/HSPA) by 2015.
Tajikistan
Babilon-Mobile commercially launched LTE service
in Dushanbe on October 6, 2012 using 1800 MHz
(LTE1800) and 2100 MHz spectrum and initially the
Huawei E398 USB dongle was offered.
O2 tested LTE in 2.6 GHz spectrum and trialled

LTE800 in Carlisle in 2010. In November 2011 the
company started a large-scale LTE trial in central
London, lasting until summer 2012, using 20 MHz of
test spectrum in the 2.6 GHz band. The trial ran
across 25 LTE cell sites and covered 40 sq. km.
Turkey
Turkcell has trialled LTE. In stationary tests downlink
speeds up to 170 Mbps were achieed. On April 6,
2012 Turkcell announced results of its mobile LTE
trial in an area between Kartal and Maltepe (Istanbul).
Manx Telecom (Isle of Man) launched a trial of LTE

and in November 2013 announced its supplier for a
48
March 31, 2014
commercial network using 800 MHz and 1800 MHz

spectrum, targeting service launch 1H 2014.
of service. Vodafone is aiming for LTE indoor

coverage for 98% of the population by 2015.
EE - owner of the Orange and T-Mobile UK brands,

launched commercial LTE1800 service in 11 cities
(Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow,
Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Sheffield and
Southampton) on October 30, 2012. EE is targeting
98% population coverage by end 2014. EE
announced in early January 2014 that it had gained 2
million LTE subscriptions. EE now covers 70% of the
population. EE announced doubling of the spectrum
allocated for its LTE service this year from 10 to 20
MHz. On November 5, 2013 EE switched on its LTEAdvanced network in part of London (Tech City)
delivering a theoretical peak downlink speed of 300
Mbps. The network uses carrier aggregation to
combine 20 MHz of 1800 MHz and 20 MHz of 2.6
GHz spectrum. Local companies from the Tech City
area have been selected to experience the service
before it becomes commercially available when
compatible devices launch from mid-2014. In
December 2013 EE announced its first LTE roaming
agreement, with AT&T for the US. Additional roaming
destinations of France and Spain were announced in
March 2014. EE plans to deploy VoLTE in 2014.
3 UK commercially launched its LTE using 800 MHz

spectrum. From December 2, 2013, Three started
upgrading customers with an LTE-compatible device,
so they can access LTE when in coverage area. All
customers with a compatible device were able to
access LTE at no extra cost by end Q1 2014. Three
aims to cover 50 cities and over 200 towns with LTE
by end 2014 and 98% of the population by end 2015.
Three has also acquired 2 x 15 MHz of 1800 MHz
from EE.
Ofcom has authorized all five mobile operators to
trade the rights to the radio spectrum they hold,
covering 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz.
Ofcom announced July 9, 2013 that mobile operators
are now allowed to refarm 2G (900, 1800 MHz) and
3G (2.1 GHz) spectrum for 4G (LTE or WiMAX)
services. A 3dB increase in maximum transmit power
using 900 MHz spectrum has also been approved.
Ofcom is conducting a consultation on use of 700
MHz spectrum for mobile broadband, following the
Resolution passed at WRC 2012 that could lead to
ITU Region 1 i.e. Europe, Africa, Middle East
adopting 700 MHz for mobile broadband from 2015.
The Ministry of Defence is preparing to release 190
MHz of spectrum to Ofcom to allocate available for
commercial use. It includes 40 MHz in the 2.3 GHz
band and 150 MHz above 3.4 GHz for TDD
deployments. Both segments will be suitable for LTE
deployments. Ofcom launched a consultation on
October 16, 2013 on the proposed sale
arrangements. Comments were required by
November 27, 2013. Ofcom envisages the allocation,
which could be by auction, would be completed in the
2015-2016 financial year.
The 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz auction of 250 MHz of

LTE spectrum by Ofcom was repeatedly delayed.
Bidding by 7 companies opened on January 23,
2013. On February 20, 2013 Ofcom announced the
winning bidders who collectively paid 2.34 billion:
EE (800 MHz, 2.6 GHz FDD)
Hutchison 3G UK Limited (800 MHz)
Niche Spectrum Ventures (BT) (2.6 GHz FDD

& TDD)
Telefnica UK Limited (800 MHz)
Vodafone (800 MHz, 2.6 GHz FDD & TDD)

HKT (UK) and MLL Telecom did not win spectrum.
Ofcom has announced a Notice of Proposal that

would permit LTE1800 mobile devices on board
aircraft on a licence exempt basis. Comments are
required by March 12, 2014. The use of mobile
devices on aircraft has been permitted since 2008;
however, it is limited to GSM 1800 (2G) only. This
proposal would extend the licence exemption
arrangements to cover the use of 3G and 4G
terminals. All Member States are required to adopt
this EU decision into national law by May 12, 2014.
Vodafone and O2 both commercially launched

4G/LTE services on August 29, 2013 using 800 MHz
(band 20), initially in London, Bradford and Leeds.
By November 2013 more cities and towns added by
O2 extended coverage to over 25% of population.
Vodafone launched its service in London and gained
100,000 LTE customers within 5 weeks. 500,000
subscriptions were achieved within the first 6 months
49
March 31, 2014
CICRA (the Channel Islands Competition and

Regulatory Authorities) consulted in July 2013 on the
appropriate method of allocating spectrum
specifically 800 MHz (band 20) and 2.6 GHz (band 7)
for the purpose of enabling the provision of LTE
services in the Channel Islands (Guernsey and
Jersey. Comments were due by February 4, 2014.
Unitel launched commercial LTE1800 service on

December 16, 2012 in Luanda. Unitel announced the
successful demonstration of LTE-Advanced carrier
aggregation by combining 900 MHz and 1800 MHz
spectrum on its live network on December 18, 2013.
SURE Telecom is deploying LTE networks on the

islands of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.
Zain commercially launched LTE in 1800 MHz

spectrum (LTE1800) on April 18, 2013.
Uzbekistan
VIVA launched a small-scale commercial LTE1800

network on January 1, 2012. A wider commercial
service was launched in January 2014.
Bahrain
MTS announced on July 28, 2010 commercial launch

of its LTE network in Tashkent via its subsidiary
Uzdunrobita and planned significant coverage
expansion. However the network was shut down in
September 2012 and the company is officially
declared as being bankrupt. Subsequently its assets
were transferred to Uzbektelecom.
Batelco commercially launched LTE1800 on

February 27, 2013. Peak downlink speed was
increased to 150 Mbps on September 26, 2013.
WiMAX operator Menatelecom commercially
launched 3.5 GHz LTE TDD nationwide on November
19, 2013.
Ucell (TeliaSonera) announced commercial LTE

network launch in Tashkent on August 9, 2010.
Regulator TRA planned to auction additional

spectrum in the 900, 1800, 2100 MHz and 2.6 GHz
bands on March 31, 2013. The start was delayed due
to legal disputes and the auction was cancelled. In
September 2013 TRA announced permits for LTE
networks using 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2.1 GHz
spectrum were given to Batelco, Viva and Zain.
Beeline Uzbekistan announced its LTE network in

Tashkent entered into a test phase in February 2012.
Middle East and Africa
ITU announced on September 5, 2013 that 47 SubSaharan African countries had agreed on frequency
coordination for digital switchover in 2015. This
makes Africa the first region to be in a position in
2015 to allocate digital dividend spectrum to mobile
services in the band 694 862 MHz and was
achieved by re-planning spectrum requirements of
television broadcasting in the 470-694 MHz band.
Botswana
Mascom Wireless announced on June 12, 2012 the
setting up of an LTE pilot trial network.
Burkina Faso
http://www.itu.int/net/pressoffice/press_releases/2013
/32.aspx#.Ul6DepSuvR0
Airtel Burkin Faso has applied to regulator ARCEP

for a licence to offer a 4G network.
Algeria
Cameroon
WiMAX operator Algrie Tlcom plans to launch

LTE TDD for BWA service in May 2014.
WiMAX operator YooMee is deploying an LTE TDD

network and has selected its infrastructure supplier.
Angola
Cte d'Ivoire
Movicel launched commercial LTE1800 service in

Cabinda on April 14, 2012. Luanda is now covered.
YooMee is deploying an LTE TDD network and has

selected its infrastructure supplier, targeting launch in
May 2014.
50
March 31, 2014
Democratic Republic of Congo
seamless and world class LTE network. It is unclear

to GSA if commercial service launch is yet achieved.
Smile is deploying a commercial LTE network.

Vodafone commercially launched LTE on January 2,
2014 for users with existing compatible phones.
Equatorial Guinea
WiMAX operator Guineanet plans migration to LTE
Expresso Telecoms has 2 x 10 MHz of 850 MHz

spectrum and operates a CDMA network.
Egypt
Analog to digital TV switchover target is by end 2014.
Vodafone, Mobinil, Etisalat Misr each trialled LTE.
Iran
Ethiopia
The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA)
intends to address the low broadband penetration.
Plans include development of a national broadband
plan and allocation of LTE licences by March 2015.
Ethio-Telecom awarded infrastructure contracts to

upgrade 3G capacity and launch LTE in Addis Ababa.
Gabon
Iraq
Gabon Telecom is planning to deploy LTE and
received a licence in March 2014.
MaxyTel is a member of the Global TD-LTE Initiative

and committed to deploying an LTE TDD network.
Airtel Gabon also received a 4G licence in March

2014.
Ghana
Regional Telecom (in Kurdistan) commercially

launched LTE service, using 2.6 GHz spectrum (band
7) on June 10, 2013 under the Fastlink brand.
Surfline Communications has 2 x 15 MHz of 2.6

GHz spectrum and is deploying a commercial LTE
network targeting launch Q1 2014.
WiMAX operator Tishknet is deploying an LTE

TDD network in the northeastern Kurdistan region
targeting commercial launch in 2014.
Blu Telecoms (formerly G-Kwiknet Limited) has 30

MHz unpaired in 2.6 GHz spectrum (band 38) and is
deploying an LTE TDD network for launch in 2014.
Israel
Cellcom awarded LTE system upgrade contracts to 2
suppliers, one each for the north and south.
Goldkey Telecom has 2 x 15 MHz of 2.6 GHz and is

targeting launch in 2014.
Partner (Orange) has deployed LTE network

capability but is unable to launch service until
spectrum is allocated. Partner announced last
November a proposed 4G network sharing
agreement with HOT Mobile which is subject to
regulatory approval.
The National Information Technology Agency (NITA)

is upgrading its WiMAX network to LTE TDD.
MTN and Vodafone each has 33 MHz paired
spectrum across 900/1800/2100 MHz bands. Airtel
and Globacom each has 30 MHz paired spectrum
across 900/1800/2100 MHz bands. Tigo has 28 MHz
paired across these bands.
New spectrum allocations for operators wishing to

deploy LTE are awaited/expected. The regulator may
allocate 1800 MHz for LTE.
Glo Mobile announced target start of commercial

operations on January 19, 2012. Parent Globacom
planned to invest c. $600 million to deploy a unique,
In December 2013 Cellcom, Golan Telecom and

Pelephone announced a 15-year agreement to
deploy & operate a shared LTE network, subject to
51
March 31, 2014
regulatory approval, and to co-operate to obtain

suitable spectrum.
Alfa plans to commercially launch VoLTE on its

network by end 2014.
Jordan
MTC Touch commercially launched LTE on May 22,

2013 in Beirut with 70 base stations using 800 MHz
and 1800 MHz (LTE1800). A carrier aggregation trial
using 800/1800 MHz was completed in April 2013.
Zain Jordan plans to deploy an LTE network.

Umniah Telecommunications completed LTE trials.
Libya
Regulator TRC has launched an auction of spectrum

in the 800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 2.6 GHz
bands. Bids were required by September 1, 2013 and
two were made by potential new market entrants;
both of these bids have been rejected.
Al Madar plans to deploy an LTE network.

Madagascar
Kenya
WiMAX BWA operator Blueline is deploying a

commercial LTE TDD system (2.3 GHz).
Safaricom has trialled LTE in existing 3G spectrum.
Mauritius
The government favors a single LTE network with

Private Public Partnership ownership.
Orange Mauritius commercially launched LTE1800

on June 21, 2012 in parts of Port Luis. Coverage on
Rodrigues was launched in August 2013.
Kuwait
Emtel soft-launched its LTE1800 network on May 29,

2012, then commercially launched at end July 2012.
The Minister of Communications announced in

October 2012 that Zain, Viva and Wataniya Telecom
had been granted licences to deploy LTE in re-farmed
1800 MHz subject to payment of a KD 250,000 fee.
Mayotte
LTE network.
Viva commercially launched LTE1800 services on

December 27, 2011. On March 14, 2013 coverage
was extended to all customers, new and existing,
without additional fees. In September 2013 Viva said
it is upgrading to LTE-Advanced.
Applications for 4G LTE licences will be invited in 1H

2014.
Morocco
Zain commercially launched nationwide LTE1800 on

November 21, 2012. 20% of users generate 80% of
total network traffic. Main activities are streaming,
browsing and downloading (November 2013). Zain is
currently
deploying
LTE-Advanced
carrier
aggregation, including 100 cell sites in the first phase.
Regulator ANRT is preparing for a spectrum auction

for LTE.
Inwi is preparing to launch LTE service.
Namibia
Wataniya Telecom commercially launched LTE1800

on July 9, 2013. Service to smartphones was
activated in some areas in September 2013 and
nationwide coverage targeted by end 2013. Wataniya
said it plans to upgrade to LTE-Advanced.
On 30 March 2012 the Communications Regulatory

Authority of Namibia (CRAN) converted licences
owned by MTC, AfricaOnline and WTN to incorporate
technology and service neutrality.
Lebanon
MTC launched commercial LTE1800 service on May

16, 2012 in Windhoek with plans to cover 45%
population within 12 months.
Alfa commercially launched LTE service in central

Beirut on May 20, 2013 using 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz.
52
March 31, 2014
Telecom Namibia acquired Leo and is deploying a

unified 2G/3G/4G-LTE network. The company
rebranded to TN Mobile and commercially launched
LTE1800 on November 27, 2013, initially in Windhoek
and surrounding areas, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund,
Langstrand Henties Bay on the coast and Ondangwa,
Ongwediva, Oshakati, Ohangwena and Oshikango.
CRAN advised GSA that 800 MHz (band 20) will be
available by end 2014 subject to broadcasters
vacating the band.
Smile Communications commercially launched LTE

service using in Ibadan on June 6, 2013 and
extended service to Lagos in March 2014. Smile
holds 10 MHz paired of 850 MHz spectrum (band 20).
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
plans to auction 30 MHz in the 2.3 GHz band for the
provision of wholesales broadband service. The
auction is expected to begin on February 19, 2014.
Oman
Nigeria
Omantel is a member of the Global TD-LTE Initiative
(GTI) and launched commercial LTE TDD service on
July 16, 2012 in band 40 (2.3 GHz). Omantel
commercially launched LTE1800 service on
December 30, 2012.
Globacom provides LTE-connectivity to a 3rd party

company providing wireless backhaul services to
corporate users in Lagos and other cities. Globacom
plans to launch LTE for mobile users in future.
Zoda Fones is deploying LTE TDD in band 38.
Nawras showcased LTE in March 2012 and began

deploying a 2.3 GHz LTE TDD network.
Subsequently the regulator granted access to 1800
MHz spectrum. Nawras commercially launched
LTE1800 service in Muscat, on February 17, 2013.
CDMA operator Starcomms is studying deployment

of LTE. A proposal is in development to merge
Starcomms, Multilinks and MTS First Wireless to form
CAPCOM. This new company would seek to refarm
20 MHz of spectrum in the 1900 MHz band to allow it
to become the first national LTE broadband operator.
Qatar
On December 7, 2010 Vodafone announced a live
demonstration of LTE in 800 MHz spectrum and is
deploying a 150 Mbps LTE network.
In December 2012 Airtel Nigeria announced

successful completion of an LTE trial in Lagos.
In
April
2012
CDMA
operator
Visafone
Communications outlined a 3-year development
roadmap including investment in LTE as soon as the
infrastructure and other resources are available.
Ooredoo commercially launched LTE on April 16,

2013 in Doha and the Sealine Beach Resort district
using 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz. Nationwide coverage
was achieved in January 2014 with activation of the
500th LTE base station.
SWIFT Networks acquired the WiMAX operation of

ISP Direct on PC to expand wireless broadband
services in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt. The
combined entity is using the expanded capacity and
spectrum (3.5 GHz and 2.3 GHz) to deploy LTE TDD
alongside WiMAX. Swift began a test program for
500 users in August 2013 and commercially launched
LTE TDD in band 40 in Lagos in November 2013.
Runion
French regulator ARCEP announced on March 13,
2014 that LTE system test spectrum in the 1800 MHz
and 2.6 GHz bands has been granted to SRR.
invited in 1H 2014.
WiMAX operator Spectranet Limited commercially

launched 2.3 GHz LTE TDD in Lagos on August 20,
2013, and Abjua in November 2013.
Rwanda
WiMAX operator Mobitel is deploying an LTE TDD

network in existing 2.3 GHz spectrum.
KT Corp (South Korea) is reported to have agreed

with the Rwandan government to create a JV that will
build a nationwide wholesale LTE network.
53
March 31, 2014
The government has announced analogue TV

transmissions will be switched off by July 31, 2014.
Telkom Mobile (8ta) has 70 MHz of band 40 TDD

spectrum. LTE TDD was commercially launched in
April 21, 2013. Over 800 sites are activated for LTE.
Telekom Mobile will also use LTE1800 later. The
company also operates a 3.5 GHz WiMAX network.
Saudi Arabia
Etisalat (Mobily) commercially launched LTE TDD
on September 14, 2011 via its Bayanat subsidiary in
band 38 (2.6 GHz). Mobily commercially launched its
LTE1800 FDD service in January 2013 and
announced completion of VoLTE trials in May 2013.
An LTE roaming agreement was concluded with
Etisalat (UAE) in early March 2014.
Cell C is deploying 2.1 GHz LTE. On December 19,

2012 a pre-commercial trial service for selected
heavy data users began in Cape Town, Durban,
Johannesburg and Pretoria.
CDMA operator Neotel positions LTE as an ADSL
replacement system and commercially launched LTE
using 1800 MHz (LTE1800) in Guateng on August 21,
2013. Around 50 sites are active. Neotel also owns
3.5 GHz spectrum.
Wireless Business Solutions (WBS) with interests
in iBurst and Broadlink plans to deploy LTE. iBurst
has 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum and deployed a
small trial using 2.6 GHz. An operational tie-up with a
competitor is possible.
STC commercially launched band 40 LTE TDD on

September 14, 2011. LTE1800 service was
introduced February 2013. Coverage exceeds 75%
pops (September 2013). On February 8, 2014 STC
was announced commercial launch of TDD LTEAdvanced.
Zain commercially launched LTE1800 on September
14, 2011.
The Communications Ministry said 800 MHz

spectrum would become available in 2015, and 2.6
GHz could be brought into use immediately.
Senegal
Orange Senegal launched an LTE trial network using
1800 MHz spectrum (LTE1800) on October 10, 2013.
Swaziland
Tigo and Expresso (Sudatel) have both reportedly

been granted permits to trial LTE until end 2014.
MTN will deploy an LTE network in 2014.

Tanzania
Somalia
Smile commercially launched 800 MHz (band 20)
LTE on May 30, 2012 in Dar es Salaam for a limited
number of users. By May 2013 coverage reached
most of Dar es Salaam for all customers.
Nordic Group plans to deploy LTE in 2014.

WiMAX operator Sahal Telecoms (a Glocall
Telecoms subsidiary) is planning to migrate to LTE in
2014.
Vodacom is deploying an LTE network using 800

MHz and 1800 MHz (LTE1800) spectrum.
South Africa
Telesis Tanzania, a mobile virtual network
aggregator (MVNA) supporting a number of MVNOs,
is deploying its own LTE network in 800 MHz. The
network was planned to cover Dar es Salaam and
Mtwara by October 2013, followed by national roll out.
At the time of writing this report, the company website
(http://www.telesis.co.tz/) was not operational.
Vodacom commercially launched LTE1800 service

on October 10, 2012 with 70 base stations in
Johannesburg. Vodacom activated over 720 LTE
sites by September 2013.
MTN commercially launched LTE1800 with 500 sites
in Durban, Johannesburg, and Pretoria on December
1, 2012. Bloemfontein and Cape Town were covered
in 2013. Almost 1,000 LTE sites were deployed by
January 2014.
Tunisia
Tunisiana is upgrading its network to 3G and LTE.
54
March 31, 2014
UAE
LTE-Advanced global status
Etisalat commercially launched LTE on September

25, 2011 using 2.6 GHz indoors and 1800 MHz
(LTE1800) outdoors in urban and suburban areas
and needs 800 MHz for nationwide reach. Cat 4
dongles were sold from June 2013. VoLTE is
planned. The company is testing 300 MBps (Cat 6).
Several operators are deploying or trialling Carrier

Aggregation (CA) as referenced in this report.
Du commercially launched LTE1800 on June 12,

2012 targeting 90% population coverage by 2014.
Regulator TRA has informed operators that 2.6 GHz
is available. TRA plans to release 700 MHz and 800
MHz for mobile broadband by combining band 20
with the lower duplexer (2x30 MHz) of APT700. Press
release: http://www.tra.gov.ae/news514.php
Uganda
Smile commercially launched LTE for business users
in Kampala in October 2012 in 800 MHz band 20.
Service was extended to consumers on June 9, 2013.
MTN commercially launched its LTE TDD network on
April 25, 2013 in Kampala using 2.6 GHz band 41.
Orange commercially launched LTE in 800 MHz
(band 20) on July 31, 2013.
Zambia
MTN commercially launched LTE1800 on January 16,
2014 in Lusaka, Kitwe, Ndola and Livingstone.
Massnet is deploying a 2.6 GHz LTE FDD network.
Zamtel ran a trial network for delegates of
UNWTOGA in Livingstone in August 2013, followed
by commercial launch in Kitwe on January 21, 2014.
Zimbabwe
Econet Wireless commercially launched LTE using
1800 MHz (LTE1800) on August 22, 2013 in Victoria
Falls area to provide coverage at the UNWTOGA.
WiMAX operator Aqiva Wireless is planning to
deploy an LTE network.
55
Country
Operator
LTE-Advanced Status
Angola
Australia
Australia
Unitel
Optus
Telstra
Austria
Austria
Belarus
Belgium
Finland
France
France
France
Germany
Germany
Hong Kong
A1 Telekom
T Mobile
Becloud-MTS
Base
Elisa
Bouygues Tel
Orange
SFR
DT
O2
CSL
Italy
Italy
Japan
Japan
Japan
Japan
3 Italia
Vodafone
DoCoMo
eAccess
KDDI
Softbank
Kuwait
Kuwait
Kuwait
Netherlands
New Zealand
Philippines
Poland
Viva
Wataniya
Zain
Vodafone
Vodafone
Smart
Trialled CA in B3 & B8
Trialled 2 x 20 MHz B40
Trialled CA in B3 & B8
Trialling CA in B3 and B7
Trialled CA
Trialled CA B3 and B7
Trialling inc EMC tests
Trialled 2 x 20 MHz CA
Trialled CA B3 + B7
Trialled CA B3 + B7 + B20
Trialling CA B7 + B42
Trialled CA B20 +B7
Deploying CA
Trialling CA
Trialling CA for Cat 6
20MHz B3 + 20MHz B7
CA planned
Trialled CA B3 + B7
CA target 2015
Trialling CA
CA target 2014
5 carrier LTE TDD CA
demoed. Trialling in B42
Deploying
Planned
Deploying CA
Completed lab trials
CA demoed
Trialling CA
Trialling CA
Portugal
Portugal
Russia
Optimus
Vodafone
MegaFon
Trialling CA
Trialled CA B3 + B7
Commercial Cat 6 CA
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Singapore
South Korea
Yota
STC
M1
SingTel
LG U Plus
Trialling CA for Cat 6

Commercial TDD LTE-A
CA planning for Cat 6
Deploying CA for Cat 6
Commercial CA
South Korea
KT*
Commercial CA
South Korea
SK Telecom
Commercial CA
Spain
Orange
Spain
Sweden
Taiwan
Vodafone
Trialling CA using 20 MHz

b7 + 10 MHz b3
Trialling CA B3 + B7
Trialling CA
Deploying CA B3 + B28
Polkomtel &
Cyfrowy Polsat
Tele2-Telenor
Taiwan Mobile
Commercial
service
20 MHz B7 +
20 MHz B7
TDD LTE-A
20MHz B5 +
20MHz B1
10MHz B3 +
10MHz B8
10MHz B3 +
10MHz B5
March 31, 2014

Turkey
UK
Turkcell
EE
UAE
USA
USA
USA
USA
India
Etisalat
AT&T
DISH
Sprint
Verizon
Regulator
Trialling CA
Pre-commercial CA trial
20 MHz B3 + 20 MHz B7
Trialling 300 Mbps
Chicago: Commercial CA
Planned
Commercial CA
Planned
Consultations
VoLTE global status

LTE systems are all-IP, and optimized for data
transfer. LTE does not include any circuit switched
capability as is used on previous technologies for
voice and SMS services. Since voice and SMS
generate in the region of 60-70% of operator
revenues globally, voice service is needed on LTE
networks.
B4 + B17
B25/B26/B41
*In 2014 KT plans to support 20 MHz B3 plus 10 MHz B8 CA

The table will be updated to incorporate market developments
and new information. Inputs are invited by email to
info@gsacom.com
Voice service moved up the agenda for many LTE

operators in 2013 as network coverage has improved
(nationwide in many cases) and as penetration and
usage of LTE-capable smartphones has increased.
2014 will be an important year for VoLTE
commercialization in several markets worldwide.
Cat 4 networks global status

LTE networks capable of supporting 150 Mbps peak
downlink (supporting Cat 4 devices) are commercially
launched worldwide, for example in Australia, Austria,
Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hong
Kong, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Japan, Moldova,
Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Russia,
Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, UK
and the USA. Other Cat 4 capable network
deployments are in progress, e.g. Ooredoo (Qatar),
Vodafone (Qatar). Operators that offer Category 4
devices for sale for use on their networks include:
Operator
Vodafone, Australia
T-Mobile, Austria
Batelco, Bahrain
DT, Germany
Vodafone, Germany
CSL Limited, HK
PCCW, HK
NTT DoCoMo, Japan
Vodafone NZ
Telenor
Singtel, SIngapore
KT, S Korea
SK Telecom, S Korea
Vodafone, Spain
Orange, Switzerland
Swisscom
Etisalat, UAE
EE, UK
Free, France
DL
20 MHz B3
20 MHz B7
20 MHz B3
20 MHz B3
20 MHz B7
20 MHz B7
15 MHz B3
20 MHz B7
Info to be added
20MHz B3
20 MHz B3
Info to be added
20 MHz B3
10 MHz B8
20 MHz B3
Info to be added
20 MHz B3
20 MHz B3
Info to be added
20 MHz B3
20 MHz B7
In the first phase of voice evolution voice calls are

handled in a circuit switched network by using CSFB
(circuit switched fall back). The LTE data connection
falls back to a legacy 2G/3G voice network
connection prior to initiation of a voice call. This
solution is favoured by many LTE operators, while
VoLTE is the eventual goal. Some LTE operators will
launch voice by going to VoLTE in one step.
With the VoLTE solution (GSMA specification VoLTE
IR.92, based on 3GPP standards), subscribers can
use HD voice and other richer communication
services using their LTE smartphones. VoLTE aims to
provide a voice service that is at least as reliable as
on current cellular systems, over an all-IP network in
a shared resource environment. An operator needs
an IMS (IP Multimedia System) core network and the
LTE radio access network and Evolved Packet Core
must also support VoLTE, which is usually achieved
by software upgrade.
UL
Info to be added
Info to be added
Info to be added
Info to be added
Info to be added
Info to be added
Info to be added
Info to be added
Info to be added
Info to be added
Info to be added
15 MHz B3
Several
VoLTE-compatible
smartphones
are
available in the market. Log in to www.gsacom.com
and follow the link to HD voice (W-AMR) mobile
phones and suppliers report: 329 phones (incl.
VoLTE), 19 suppliers
Info to be added
Info to be added
Info to be added
Info to be added
Info to be added
Info to be added
Info to be added
The above table will be updated to incorporate market

developments and new information. Inputs are invited by email
to info@gsacom.com
56
March 31, 2014
VoLTE operator commitments, deployments,

launches, trials
LTE TDD: Global network commitments,

trials, deployments, commercial launches
The first wave of VoLTE service launches that include

support for HD voice (using W-AMR) has begun.
Interest in the TDD mode is global. 32 LTE TDD (TDLTE) systems are commercially launched in 21
countries, including 13 operators using both LTE
FDD & TDD modes. Some networks are multiband.
Country
South Korea
South Korea
South Korea
Australia
Austria
Bulgaria
Canada
Canada
China
Ecuador
Germany
Germany
Germany
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
India
India
India
Japan
Japan
Lebanon
Netherlands
Netherlands
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Sweden
Taiwan
Turkey
UAE
UK
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
Operator
KT
LG U+
SK Telecom
Optus
T Mobile
Max Telecom
Sasktel
Telus
China Mobile
CNT
DT
E Plus
O2
CSL
PCCW
Bharti Airtel
RIL
Videocon
NTT DoCoMo
Softbank
Alfa
Tele2
Vodafone
Yota
Mobily
SingTel
StarHub
T-Mobile Slovensko
Telekom Slovenije
Telefonica
Tele2
Teliasonera
Asia Pacific Telecom
Avea
Etisalat
EE
AT&T
C-Spire
T Mobile US
US Cellular
Sprint
Verizon Wireless
VTel
VoLTE status
Launched
Launched
Launched
Trialling
Trialling
In deployment
In deployment
In deployment
In deployment
In deployment
In deployment
Planned
In deployment
Soft-launched
In deployment
Trialling
Trialling
Planned
Planned
In deployment
In deployment
In deployment
Study phase
In deployment
In deployment
In deployment
In deployment
Planned
In deployment
Trialling
In deployment
In deployment
In deployment
Trialling
In deployment
In deployment
In deployment
In deployment
In deployment
In deployment
In deployment
In deployment
Trialling
Country
Australia
Australia
Bahrain
Brazil
Brazil
Canada
China
China
China
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Japan
Nigeria
Nigeria
Oman
Poland
Russia
Russia
Russia
S. Arabia
S. Arabia
S. Africa
Spain
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Sweden
Uganda
UK
USA
Operator
NBN Co.
Optus FDD & TDD
Menatelecom
On Telecomunicacoes
Sky Brazil Services
Sasktel FDD & TDD
China Mobile
China Telecom
China Unicom
CMHK FDD & TDD
Bharti Airtel
PT Internux
Softbank FDD & TDD
Spectranet
Swift Networks
Omantel FDD & TDD
Aero2 FDD & TDD
Megafon FDD & TDD
MTS FDD & TDD
Vainakh Telecom
Mobily FDD & TDD
STC FDD & TDD
Telkom Mobile (8ta)
COTA Murcia4G
Neo-Sky
Dialog Axiata FDD & TDD
Lanka Bell
SLT
3 Sweden FDD & TDD
MTN
UK Broadband
Sprint FDD & TDD
TDD band
Band 40
Band 40
Band 42
Band 38
Band 38
Band 41
39/40/41
Band 40, 41
Band 40, 41
Band 40
Band 40
Band 40
Band 41
Band 40
Band 40
Band 40
Band 38
Band 38
Band 38
Band 40
Band 38
Band 40
Band 40
Band 38
Band 42
Band 40
Band 40
Band 38
Band 38
Band 41
Band 42, 43
Band 41
Many more operators are deploying commercial LTE

TDD systems or are engaged in trials and studies.
For LTE TDD operator commitments, launches,
deployments and the devices ecosystem read GSAs
Status of the Global LTE TDD Market report - log
in to www.gsacom.com and follow the link
VoLTE commitments and deployment status

GSA Global mobile Suppliers Association
The above table will be updated to incorporate market
developments and new information. Inputs are invited by email
to info@gsacom.com
LTE TDD related charts and maps: www.gsacom.com
57
LTE network operating frequencies
e
,
e
s
s
n
LTE networks are operating in many bands (see

chart Spectrum used in LTE networks (FDD and
TDD
deployments)
via
the
link
on
http://www.gsacom.com.
d
srks
Eort
,s.
f
e
s
um
TE
TEces
m.
LTE TDD
Userare
Devices
Ecosystem
Several
devices
multiband
and/or multimode.
LTE
TDD devices
GSA
maintains
a database of LTE FDD and TDD
LTE FDD
user devices
announced by manufacturers. Key stats
In published
3GPP
was
decided
from the
beginning
that LTE
1800 itMHz
3 Status
589
devices
are
in band
GSAs
of the
LTE
Ecosystem
should
support
both
TDD
modes
the
2600
MHz
band
582confirmed
deviceswith
report.
The
March
18,7FDD
2014and
report
1,563
2100(including
MHz
band
1difference
devicesvariants)
minimum
possible
between
the two
products
operator
and 423
frequency
800
band
20
392 devices
modes.
The
emphasis
has
on leveraging
from
154 MHz
manufacturers.
742 been
new
products
were
800/1800/2600
tri-band
340
devices
synergies
between
the
modes
to
the
largest extent
added in the past year. Multi-band, multi-mode
LTEAWS
band
4 CPEs
334 devices
possible.
The
result
is that
almost
all parts
of the
TDD
dongles
and
are commercially
available
700
MHzchipset
bandsare
12
17same327
LTEall
specifications
the
fordevices
both FDD 387
and
from
major
andor
device
manufacturers.
850Although
MHz band
5 majority
devices
TDD.
the
of 282
LTE
devices
have
devices
support
the
LTE TDD
mode,
221 more
700
MHz
band
13
devices
been
produced
for
use 38
on FDD
spectrum,
than
a
year
ago.
Bands
(2.6 275
GHz)
and aligning
40 (2.3
900
MHz
band
8
246
devices
with
the
scale
of
FDD
network
deployments,
the
GHz) have the largest device ecosystems. LTE TDD
1900
MHz
band
2
169
devices
availability
of
LTE
user
devices
for
TDD
systems
is
devices are available in all form factors including
1900
MHz
band
25
97
devices
growing
strongly,
as
shown
below.
For
the
current
smartphones, dongles, routers, portable hotspots,
worldwide
market situation including
modules,
and LTE
mobileTDD
tablets.
network deployments and commercial launches see
LTEStatus
TDD of the Global LTE TDD Market
GSAs
2600
MHz band
devices
report download
via38the link on278
www.gsacom.com
2300 MHz band 40
269 devices
MHz (221
band 39
387 1900
devices
more than125
a devices
year ago) can
2600
MHz
band
41
120
devices
operate in LTE TDD mode, supporting the growing
3500ofMHz
42,43 using unpaired
17 devices
number
LTEband
operators
spectrum.
y6
40
on.
TE14.
in
.
ally
r
HD
e
ore
drts
sed
ork.
,
TE
.ble
ew
rier
TE
ally
hat
the
for
ing
March
31,below
2014 confirms which bands are most
The
table
supported by the devices ecosystem.
LTE1800: LTE deployments in 1800 MHz band

LTE network deployment in 1800 MHz is mainstream.
The motivations are clear:
Coverage area approx. 2 times compared to

deploying in 2.6 GHz band
Possibility to re-use assets including antenna
cables of GSM1800 or WCDMA-HSPA2100
Possibility
to
deploy
multi-RAN
with
simultaneous LTE and GSM capabilities
1800 MHz band widely available throughout
Europe, APAC, MEA, regions of South
America thus having the potential to be a
core - and global - band for LTE deployments
Operators often have sufficient bandwidth in
1800 MHz to secure the full benefits of LTE
Often easier to re-farm than 900 MHz
User device eco-system is building; a good
choice of user devices available by end 2011
Can be a transition strategy between HSPA
and availability of new (e.g. 2.6 GHz, digital
dividend) spectrum
LTE TDD devices are available in all form factors
1/ Several
devices are multi-band
multi-mode
Note
1: Manufacturers
have notand
declared
operating frequencies
chart
below.
2/ see
Certain
products
are some
carrierproducts
or country specific and are therefore not
or
fallback
modes
for
available in all markets
Note 2: Certain products are carrier or country specific and are

therefore not available in all markets
LTE / 3G fallback support
1,130 LTE devices also operate on either

HSPA, HSPA+ or DC-HSPA+ networks
570 LTE devices support DC-HSPA+
359 LTE devices also support EV-DO
105 LTE devices also support TD-SCDMA
The LTE1800 Zone on www.gsacom.com provides

a vast amount of information about deployment of
LTE in 1800 MHz spectrum, including white papers
by leading vendors plus updates/presentations from
mobile operators, and other resources. Visit the
LTE1800 Zone via the banner on www.gsacom.com
99% of LTE phones are multimode/3G capable
GSA REPORT: Embracing the 1800MHz

opportunity: Driving mobile forward with LTE in
the 1800MHz band www.gsacom.com/lte1800
36% of LTE phones support DC-HSPA+

387 LTE TDD user devices form factors
387 LTE TDD user devices - form factors

93%
of LTE
tablets are
multimode/3G
capable
GSAof the
Global mobile
Suppliers report
Association
Status
26% ofLTE
LTE Ecosystem
tablets support
DC-HSPA+
Free download via the link on www.gsacom.com
Bands
38 (2.6 GHz) and 40 (2.3 GHz) have the
Press
release:
largest
choice
of terminals.
Category
4 devices
http://www.gsacom.com/news/gsa_403.php
device
Terminal
support
band 38
is 72%
Detailed
analysis
is for
possible
using
GSAs
are LTE
UE
device
Category
4 for
offers
an40
enhanced
user
Terminal
support
band
is
69%
GAMBoD tool (access restrictions apply see
en experience
supporting
a
peak
downlink
data
rate
up
Terminal support for band 41 is 31%
www.gsacom.com/gambod).
to 150 Mbps and peak uplink up to 50 Mbps.
Terminal support for band 39 is 32%
Operators in at least 25 countries have
est LTE TDD LINKEDIN group:
There is a growing choice of multiband and dual
nd http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=3978061
mode FDD-TDD devices, e.g. the band 7/40
combination is supported in 129 devices, and the
the band 3/38 combination is supported in 123 devices.
7% Several operators are committed to deploying LTE
of TDD systems in 3.5 / 3.6 GHz spectrum (bands 42,
The report shows from practical, economic and

business perspectives why 1800 MHz emerged as a
prime band for LTE deployments in virtually all
regions of the world, and its importance for
international roaming.
Key Findings:
http://www.gsacom.com/news/gsa_342.php4
58
March 31, 2014
120 commercially launched LTE1800 systems
Germany
Germany
Greece
Greece
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hungary
Hungary
Iceland
Iceland
Ireland
Ireland
Italy
Italy
Italy
Japan
Kazakhstan
Kuwait
Kuwait
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Macedonia
Malta
Mauritius
Mauritius
Montenegro
Namibia
Namibia
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
New Zealand
New Zealand
Norway
Norway
Oman
Oman
Philippines
120 operators have commercially launched LTE1800

(band 3) systems in 63 countries either as a single
band system, or as part of a multi-band deployment.
1800 MHz spectrum is typically refarmed from its
original use for 2G/GSM, facilitated by technologyneutral licensing. 1800 MHz is the most widely used
band for LTE deployments globally, serving millions
of subscribers on 43% of LTE networks and is the
prime band for LTE deployments worldwide, which
will greatly assist international roaming for mobile
broadband. 1800 MHz mobile licences have been
awarded to 350+ operators in nearly 150 countries.
Many more LTE1800 deployments are in progress.
Country
Angola
Angola
Aruba
Australia
Australia
Australia
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bahrain
Bahrain
Belgium
Belgium
Bhutan
Brunei
Cambodia
Cayman Islands
Croatia
Croatia
Czech Republic
Czech Republic
Denmark
Denmark
Denmark
Dominican Republic
Estonia
Estonia
Estonia
Fiji
Finland
Finland
Finland
France
Operator
Movicel
Unitel
Setar NV
Optus
Telstra
Vodafone
Azercell
Batelco
Viva
Zain
BASE
Proximus
Bhutan Telecom
DST
Smart Axiata
Digicel
T-Hrvatski
VIPNet
Telefonica O2
T Mobile
3
Telenor
Telia
Orange Dominicana
Elisa
EMT
Tele2
Vodafone Fiji
DNA
Elisa
TeliaSonera
Bouygues Telecom
59
DT
E Plus
Cosmote
Vodafone
3HK
CSL Limited
PCCW
Smartone
Magyar Telekom (MT)
Telenor
Nova
Siminn
3 Ireland
Meteor
3 Italia
TIM
Vodafone
eAccess (band 9)
Altel
Viva
Wataniya
Zain
LMT
MTC Touch
Orange
Omnitel
Orange
POST
Tango
Maxis
T Mobile
Vodafone
Emtel
Orange
T Mobile Crna
MTC
TN Mobile
KPN
T Mobile
Vodafone
Telecom New Zealand
Vodafone
Telenor
NetCom / TeliaSonera
Nawras
Omantel
Globe
March 31, 2014
Philippines
Poland
Poland
Poland
Portugal
Portugal
Romania
Romania
Romania
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
Slovak Republic
Slovak Republic
Slovenia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Korea
South Korea
Spain
Spain
Spain
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Sweden
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Tajikistan
UAE
UAE
UK
Venezuela
Zambia
Zimbabwe
supported band by device manufacturers and has the

largest device ecosystem.
Smart
Mobyland/CenterNet
Play
Polkomtel
Optimus
Vodafone
Cosmote
Orange
Vodafone
Mobily
STC
Zain
M1
SingTel
StarHub
Telefonica O2
T-Mobile Slovesnko
Mobitel
Si.mobil
Vodacom
MTN
Neotel
KT
SK Telecom
Movistar
Orange
Vodafone
Yoigo
Dialog Axiata
Mobitel
TeliaSonera
Orange
Sunrise
Swisscom
Babilon-Mobile
Du
Etisalat
EE
Digitel
MTN
Econet Wireless
http://www.gsacom.com/news/gsa_403.php
Detailed device analysis is available using GSAs
GAMBoD tool (access restrictions apply see
www.gsacom.com/gambod).
LTE1800 LinkedIN Group:
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?=&gid=3129390
Status of the Global LTE1800 Market report

Free download via link on http://www.gsacom.com
Charts / maps http://www.gsacom.com/news/statistics
LTE Roaming
Many operators offer international roaming service for
their LTE customers here are some examples:
Unitel
A1 Telekom
Vodafone
LTE1800 User Devices Ecosystem

On March 19, 2014 GSA confirmed that 589 LTE1800
user devices had been announced. GSA also
confirmed that 1800 MHz (band 3) is the best
60
with
with
with
Proximus
Swisscom
Vodafone
NTT DoCoMo
Angola
Austria
Greece, Italy,
Portugal,
Spain,
Romania
Japan
with
KPN
Telenor
Netherlands
Norway
with
with
AT&T, Rogers,
Hutchison,
Bouygues
Telecom
Various
Various
MegaFon
MTS
Russia
Russia
with
with
Mobily
SingTel
SingTel
SingTel
SingTel
SingTel
SingTel
KT
SK Telecom
TeliaSonera
TeliaSonera
Swisscom
Swisscom
Swisscom
Swisscom
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
South Korea
Sth Korea
Sweden
Sweden
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
with
with
with
with
with
with
with
with
with
with
with
with
with
with
with
Swisscom
Switzerland
with
AT&T, Rogers
Orange,
Telenor, various
Etisalat
Optus
CSL Ltd
Telkomsel
Maxis
SK Telecom
Globe
China Mobile
Globe
TeliaSonera
NetCom
Mobily
A1
Rogers
KT, SK
Telecom
Bouygues
Telecom
Belgium
Switzerland
Greece, Italy,
Portugal,
Spain,
Romania
US, USVI,
Puerto Rico,
Canada,
France, HK
10+ countries
Swisscom,
KPN, MTS
USA, Canada
UK, Saudi
Arabia, various
UAE
Australia
Hong Kong
Indonesia
Malaysia
South Korea
Philippines
China
Philippines
Denmark
Norway
Saudi Arabia
Austria
Canada
South Korea
France
March 31, 2014

Swisscom
Switzerland
with
Swisscom
Swisscom
Swisscom
EE
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
UK
with
with
with
with
PCCW,
Smartone,
CMHK
Softbank
Globe
M1
AT&T (for US)
Antel
AT&T
Uruguay
USA
with
with
Others
Various
As mentioned in this report, APT700 spectrum has

been allocated to several operators in Australia,
Japan, Chile, Ecuador, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New
Guinea, South Korea, and Taiwan.
Hong Kong
Japan
Philippines
Singapore
France, Spain,
US
Various
15 countries
The choice of user devices supporting APT700 band

28 FDD) is expected to multiply in 2014. The first
smartphone is commercially available, and leading
chipset and device manufacturers have announced
support for APT700 in their products.
The list is representative only. GSA will publish

regular updates on the status of LTE roaming
services worldwide in a separate report. Please send
updates/news on commercial LTE roaming services
to info@gsacom.com
Telstra, GSMA and GSA are jointly promoting

APT700 spectrum allocations for 4G/LTE networks.
Press release: http://www.gsacom.com/news/gsa_389.php
APT700 band plan

The adoption of the APT700 band plan (698-806
MHz) by a several countries across the APAC and
Latin America regions confirms the strong momentum
and major opportunity for global spectrum
harmonization for LTE systems, paving the way for
ensuring the greatest economies of scale for devices
and capacity for mobile broadband, and for roaming.
For papers, presentations, updates and more

Visit http://www.gsacom.com/apt700
APT700 band LINKEDIN group:
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4759091
LTE Broadcast
APT700 FDD band plan (2 x 45 MHz & guardband)

(3GPP Band 28)
703-748 MHz for the uplink
10 MHz guard band
758-803 MHz for the downlink
2014 will be an important year for LTE Broadcast

market developments. Mobile Broadband users are
demanding spontaneous access to video content, a
higher-quality experience and more convergent
mobile services than before. Owing to the popularity
and adoption of smartphones and tablets, mobile
subscriptions for high data consumption devices are
expected to reach 8 billion by 2019. Mobile data
traffic is expected to grow 10 fold between 2013 and
2019, driven mainly by video. LTE Broadcast enabled
by eMBMS technology allows operators to efficiently
launch media services over LTE to meet this demand.
It offers mobile-network operators a profitable
business proposition through service differentiation,
new revenue opportunities, and more efficient
distribution of live and other digital media.
APT700 TDD band plan (Band 44) 703-803 MHz

The FDD band plan has attracted the most support
from industry and regulators and is identified for use
in markets covering almost 2.2 billion people. Many
countries have committed to or recommend allocating
APT700 spectrum for LTE deployments, including:
LAC: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican
Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Venezuela
APAC/Oceania: Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia,
Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea,
Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga,
Vietnam
UAE confirmed its adoption of the lower 2 x 30 MHz
duplexer. This is also the preferred frequency arrangement
for the 700 MHz band in Europe/ITU Region 1
LTE Broadcast enables multiple users to receive the

same content simultaneously. LTE broadcast can
deliver the same content to multiple users with the
capability to support a virtually unlimited number of
users simultaneously, thereby maintaining efficient
61
March 31, 2014
use of spectrum and network investments. LTE

broadcast is set to open new business models for
mobile network operators.
482 LTE commitments in 147 countries
LTE Broadcast content on http://www.gsacom.com
Norway
Sweden
Uzbekistan
Poland
USA
Austria
Sweden
Sweden
Hong Kong
Finland
Germany
USA
Finland
Denmark
Estonia
Japan
Germany
Philippines
Lithuania
Latvia
Singapore
South Korea
South Korea
Germany
Canada
Austria
USA
Canada
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
USA
UAE
Australia
Denmark
Austria
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Kyrgyzstan
Brazil
Finland
Uruguay
USA
Singapore
Kuwait
Armenia
Bahrain
Hungary
South Korea
Russia
Canada
USA
Japan
Portugal
Portugal
Portugal
Japan
USA
Croatia
Croatia
USA
Australia
India
Angola
Puerto Rico
Moldova
Sweden
GSA Global mobile Suppliers Association
Country
* LTE Broadcast a revenue enabler in the mobile

media era (Ericsson)
* Broadcast over LTE (BBC)
Log in to www.gsacom.com and follow the links.
LTE-Broadcast market developments:
First commercial launch of LTE Broadcast by

KT (South Korea) on January 27, 2014
Worlds first stadium trial of LTE Broadcast
made by Telstra on January 31, 2014
Trial during SuperBowl 2014 by Verizon
Wireless
Europes first live trial of LTE Broadcast made
in February 2014 in a football stadium by
Vodafone Germany
Etisalat to trial LTE Broadcast
SingTel to trial LTE broadcast
EE has been investing in eMBMS-enabled
LTE broadcast capabilities since 2013, and
undergone technology trials with key partners
making use of the 2.6 GHz spectrum it
acquired in the latest auction. The company
has engaged key broadcasters in this field,
and will be implementing trials with at least
one of them in the coming months
For all the details, discussions and information

sharing with around 150 LTE Broadcast experts and
pioneers join the LTE-Broadcast group on LinkedIn:
LTE-Broadcast
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=7435919
62
Operator
NetCom / TeliaSonera
TeliaSonera
UCell
Aero2 FDD and TDD later
T Mobile US
A1 Telekom
TeleNor Sweden
Tele2 Sweden
CSL Limited
TeliaSonera
Vodafone
Verizon Wireless
Elisa
TeliaSonera
EMT
NTT DoCoMo
Deutsche Telekom
Smart Communications
Omnitel
LMT
M1
SK Telecom
LG U+
O2 (Telefonica)
Rogers Wireless
T Mobile
Mosaic Telecom
Bell Mobility
Mobily LTE TDD and later FDD
STC LTE TDD and later FDD
Zain
AT&T Mobility
Etisalat
Telstra
TDC
3
AT&T Mobility
Claro
Saima Telecom
Sky Brazil (LTE TDD)
DNA
Antel
Leap Wireless/Cricket
SingTel
Viva
Vivacell-MTS
Viva
T Mobile (MT)
KT
Yota
Telus
Softbank (XGP/LTE TDD)
Meo (formerly TMN)
Vodafone Portugal
Optimus
eAccess
US Cellular
T-Hrvatski Telekom
VIPNet
Panhandle Telephone Co-op
NBN No (LTE TDD)
Bharti Airtel (LTE TDD)
Movicel
Open Mobile
IDC
3 Sweden LTE FDD and TDD
www.gsacom.com
Launch
Launched 14.12.09
Launched 14.12.09
Launched 09.08.10
Launched 07.09.10
Launched 21.09.10
Launched 05.11.10
Launched 15.11.10
Launched 15.11.10
Launched 25.11.10
Launched 30.11.10
Launched 01.12.10
Launched 05.12.10
Launched 08.12.10
Launched 09.12.10
Launched 17.12.10
Launched 24.12.10
Launched 05.04.11
Launched 16.04.11
Launched 28.04.11
Launched 31.05.11
Launched 21.06.11
Launched 01.07.11
Launched 01.07.11
Launched 01.07.11
Launched 07.07.11
Launched 28.07.11
Launched Jul 2011
Launched 14.09.11
Launched 14.09.11
Launched 14.09.11
Launched 14.09.11
Launched 18.09.11
Launched 25.09.11
Launched 27.09.11
Launched 10.10.11
Launched 18.11.11
Launched 20.11.11
Launched 24.11.11
Launched 09.12.11
Launched 13.12.11
Launched 13.12.11
Launched 13.12.11
Launched 21.12.11
Launched 22.12.11
Launched 27.12.11
Launched 28.12.11
Launched 01.01.12
Launched 01.01.12
Launched 03.01.12
Launched 15.01.12
Launched 10.02.12
Launched 14.02.12
Launched 24.02.12
Launched 12.03.12
Launched 12.03.12
Launched 15.03.12
Launched 15.03.12
Launched 22.03.12
Launched 23.03.12
Launched 23.03.12
Launched Mar 2012
Launched 02.04.12
Launched 10.04.12
Launched 14.04.12
Launched 19.04.12
Launched 21.04.12
Launched 23.04.12
March 31, 2014

Hong Kong
Hong Kong
USA
USA
Netherlands
Hong Kong
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Namibia
USA
Tanzania
UAE
Colombia
Azerbaijan
Czech Rep
Mauritius
Guam
UK
Hungary
Dominican R
Slovenia
USA
Oman
USA
Australia
Mauritius
Slovak Republic
Hong Kong
Poland
USA
USA
Russia
Russia
USA
Singapore
Japan
Japan
Canada
Denmark
Philippines
Luxembourg
Guam
Tajikistan
Norway
South Africa
USA
Mexico
Luxembourg
UK
Uganda
Belgium
USA
Antigua-Barb
Italy
Mexico
Italy
Montenegro
USA
Greece
Moldova
USA
Moldova
Romania
Kuwait
France
USA
Estonia
France
Switzerland
South Africa
China Mobile HK LTE TDD later

PCCW
Cellcom
Pioneer Cellular
Vodafone
3 HK
Ziggo
Tele2
KPN
T-Mobile
MTC
BendBroadband
Smile
Du
Une-EPM
Azercell
Telefonica O2
Orange
IT&E
UK Broadband (LTE TDD)
Telenor
Orange Dominicana
Si.mobil
Sprint LTE FDD later TDD
Omantel (LTE TDD)
Infrastructure Networks
Optus FDD and LTE TDD later
Emtel
Telefonica O2
Smartone
Polkomtel Plus
Chariton Valley Comms
Nortex Communications
Megafon LTE TDD later FDD
MTS LTE TDD later FDD
C Spire Wireless
StarHub
KDDI
Softbank Mobile
MTS Allstream
3 Denmark
Globe
Tango
DoCoMo Pacific
Babilon Mobile
Telenor
Vodacom
Alaska Communications
Telefonica Movistar
Orange
EE
Smile
Belgacom / Proximus
Bluegrass Cellular
Digicel
Vodafone
Telcel
TIM
Telenor
Sprocket Wireless
Cosmote
Moldcell
Strata Networks
Orange
Vodafone
Zain
Orange
Shentel
Tele2
SFR
Swisscom
MTN
Launched 25.04.12
Launched 25.04.12
Launched 30.04.12
Launched 30.04.12
Launched 01.05.12
Launched 02.05.12
Launched 03.05.12
Launched 08.05.12
Launched 11.05.12
Launched 11.05.12
Launched 16.05.12
Launched 17.05.12
Launched 30.05.12
Launched 12.06.12
Launched 14.06.12
Launched 19.06.12
Launched 19.06.12
Launched 21.06.12
Launched 28.06.12
Launched 28.06.12
Launched 05.07.12
Launched 09.07.12
Launched 12.07.12
Launched 15.07.12
Launched 16.07.12
Launched 25.07.12
Launched 31.07.12
Launched Jul 2012
Launched 02.08.12
Launched 28.08.12
Launched 09.12
Launched 09.12
Launched 09.12
Launched 01.09.12
Launched 01.09.12
Launched 10.09.12
Launched 19.09.12
Launched 21.09.12
Launched 21.09.12
Launched 25.09.12
Launched 28.09.12
Launched 28.09.12
Launched 01.10.12
Launched 04.10.12
Launched 06.10.12
Launched 10.10.12
Launched 10.10.12
Launched 12.10.12
Launched 15.10.12
Launched 29.10.12
Launched 30.10.12
Launched Oct 2012
Launched 05.11.12
Launched 05.11.12
Launched 06.11.12
Launched 06.11.12
Launched 06.11.12
Launched 07.11.12
Launched 08.11.12
Launched 09.11.12
Launched 16.11.12
Launched 16.11.12
Launched 19.11.12
Launched 20.11.12
Launched 20.11.12
Launched 21.11.12
Launched 22.11.12
Launched 23.11.12
Launched 27.11.12
Launched 28.11.12
Launched 29.11.12
Launched 01.12.12
Romania
Brazil
Angola
Bolivia
Greece
Puerto Rico
Kazakhstan
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Malaysia
USA
Canada
USA
Italy
Estonia
Canada
Paraguay
Oman
Paraguay
Bahrain
New Zealand
Brazil
Lithuania
Spain
USA
Dominican R
Denmark
Guam
Slovenia
Iceland
Qatar
US Virgin Isles
Bahrain
South Africa
Malaysia
Uganda
Brazil
Maldives
Romania
Brazil
Brazil
USA
France
Thailand
USA
USA
Lebanon
Lebanon
USA
Switzerland
Russia
Spain
Spain
Russia
Nigeria
Iraq
USA
Australia
Switzerland
Chile
USA
US Virgin Isles
Iceland
Malaysia
Spain
Kuwait
Puerto Rico
Spain
USA
Uganda
Venezuela
USA
63
Orange
Claro
Unitel
Entel Movil
Vodafone
Sprint Nextel
Altel
Dialog LTE TDD later FDD
Mobitel
Maxis
Thumb Cellular
Sasktel LTE FDD later TDD
Evolve Broadband
3 Italia
Elisa
Eastlink
Personal
Nawras
Vox
Batelco
Vodafone
On Telecomunicacoes LTE TDD
Tele2
COTA Murcia4G (LTE TDD)
MiSpot
Tricom
Telenor
iConnect
Mobitel
Nova
Ooredoo
Sprint
Zain
Telkom Mobile / 8ta (LTE TDD)
Ceclcom Axiata
MTN Uganda (LTE TDD)
Oi
Wataniya
Cosmote
TIM Brasil
Vivo
Adams NetWorks
Bouygues Telecom
True Move
NorthwestCell
PVT/Fuego Wireless
Alfa
MTC Touch
Chat Mobility
Orange
Vimpelcom
Vodafone
Neo-Sky LTD TDD
Rostelecom
Smile Communications
Fastlink (Regional Telecom)
Appalachian Wireless
Vodafone
Sunrise Communications
Claro
MTA
AT&T Mobility
Fjarskipti (Vodafone Iceland)
DiGi
Orange
Wataniya Telecom
T Mobile
Yoigo
Custer Telephone
Orange
Digitel
ETC
Launched 12.12.12
Launched 13.12.12
Launched 16.12.12
Launched 16.12.12
Launched 17.12.12
Launched 18.12.12
Launched 25.12.12
Launched 30.12.12
Launched 31.12.12
Launched 01.01.13
Launched 13.01.13
Launched 31.01.13
Launched 02.13
Launched 01.02.13
Launched 14.02.13
Launched 15.02.13
Launched 08.02.13
Launched 17.02.13
Launched 18.02.13
Launched 27.02.13
Launched 28.02.13
Launched 03.13
Launched 03.13
Launched 01.03.13
Launched 14.03.13
Launched 18.03.13
Launched 20.03.13
Launched 20.03.13
Launched 20.03.13
Launched 04.04.13
Launched 16.04.13
Launched 17.04.13
Launched 18.04.13
Launched 21.04.13
Launched 22.04.13
Launched 25.04.13
Launched 25.04.13
Launched 28.04.13
Launched 29.04.13
Launched 30.04.13
Launched 30.04.13
Launched 05.2013
Launched 06.05.13
Launched 08.05.13
Launched 13.05.13
Launched 17.05.13
Launched 20.05.13
Launched 22.05.13
Launched 23.05.13
Launched 26.05.13
Launched 27.05.13
Launched 29.05.13
Launched Jun 2013
Launched 03.06.13
Launched 06.06.13
Launched 10.06.13
Launched 10.06.13
Launched 12.06.13
Launched 19.06.13
Launched 27.06.13
Launched mid-2013
Launched 02.07.13
Launched 04.07.13
Launched 05.07.13
Launched 08.07.13
Launched 09.07.13
Launched 11.07.13
Launched 18.07.13
Launched 26.07.13
Launched 31.07.13
Launched 31.07.13
Launched 08.2013
March 31, 2014

Nigeria
South Africa
Zimbabwe
UK
UK
Kiribati
Liechtenstein
Russia
Turkmenistan
Ireland
USA
Belgium
Czech Rep
Monaco
Luxembourg
Spain
USA
Guam
Ireland
Bhutan
Nigeria
Malta
Aruba
New Zealand
Poland
Chile
Indonesia
Brunei
Slovak Republic
USA
Bahrain
Costa Rica
Namibia
USA
Montenegro
Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
France
Greenland
Colombia
Colombia
Macedonia
UK
Fiji
USA
Czech Rep
Malaysia
China
Bahamas
Ecuador
USA
USA
Ghana
Peru
Iceland
Zambia
Sri Lanka
Zambia
Cambodia
Ireland
Sri Lanka
Colombia
Uruguay
China
Germany
China
Chile
Belgium
Algeria
Andorra
Australia
Azerbaijan
Spectranet (LTE TDD)

Neotel
Econet Wireless
O2
Vodafone
TSKL
Orange
Vainakh Telecom (LTE TDD)
TMCELL
Meteor
Copper Valley Telecom
BASE
T Mobile
Monaco Telecom
POST
Movistar
Syringa Wireless
GTA
Vodafone
Bhutan Telecom
Swift Networks (LTE TDD)
Vodafone
Setar NV
Telecom New Zealand
Play
Movistar
PT Internux (LTE TDD)
DST
T-Mobile Slovensko
S and R Communications
Menatelecom (LTE TDD)
ICE
TN Mobile
Nex-Tech Wireless
T Mobile Crna
Digicel
LIME
Free
Tele-Post
Movistar
Tigo
T Mobile
3 UK
Vodafone Fiji
Mid-Rivers Communications
Vodafone
U Mobile
China Mobile (LTE TDD)
BTC
CNT EP
Colorado Valley
nTelos Wireless
Vodafone
Telefonica Movistar
Siminn
MTN
SLT
Zamtel
Smart Axiata
3 Ireland
Lanka Bell (LTE TDD)
Claro
Claro
China Telecom (LTE TDD)
E Plus
China Unicom (LTE TDD)
Entel PCS
Mobistar
Algrie Tlcom (LTE TDD)
Andorra Telecom
BigAir
Azerfon / Nar Mobile
Launched 20.08.13
Launched 21.08.13
Launched 22.08.13
Launched 29.08.13
Launched 29.08.13
Launched 02.09.13
Launched 02.09.13
Launched 02.09.13
Launched 18.09.13
Launched 26.09.13
Launched 30.09.13
Launched 01.10.13
Launched 01.10.13
Launched 01.10.13
Launched 10.2013
Launched 10.2013
Launched 10.2013
Launched 11.10.13
Launched 14.10.13
Launched 24.10.13
Launched 11.13
Launched 01.11.13
Launched 06.11.13
Launched 12.11.13
Launched 13.11.13
Launched 14.11.13
Launched 14.11.13
Launched 15.11.13
Launched 15.11.13
Launched 17.11.13
Launched 19.11.13
Launched 25.11.13
Launched 27.11.13
Launched 27.11.13
Launched 28.11.13
Launched 28.11.13
Launched 29.11.13
Launched 01.12.13
Launched 01.12.13
Launched 02.12.13
Launched 02.12.13
Launched 02.12.13
Launched 02.12.13
Launched 05.12.13
Launched 09.12.13
Launched 10.12.13
Launched 17.12.13
Launched 18.12.13
Launched 12.13
Launched 12.13
Launched 12.13
Launched 12.13
Launched 02.01.14
Launched 02.01.14
Launched 15.01.14
Launched 16.01.14
Launched 19.01.14
Launched 21.01.14
Launched 22.01.14
Launched 27.01.14
Launched 04.02.14
Launched 13.02.14
Launched 13.02.14
Launched 14.02.14
Launched 06.03.14
Launched 18.03.14
Launched 28.03.14
Launched 31.03.14
2014
2014
2014
2014
Belgium
Bulgaria
Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Cte d'Ivoire
Fiji
Ghana
Ghana
Ghana
India
India
Indonesia
Ireland
Italy
Jordan
Laos
Laos
Lithuania
Malaysia
Malaysia
Malaysia
Malaysia
New Zealand
Russia
Slovak Republic
South Africa
Tanzania
USA
USA
USA
USA
Uzbekistan
Zambia
Bulgaria
Poland
Sri Lanka
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bolivia
Brazil
Ghana
Guatemala
India
India
Indonesia
Isle of Man (UK)
Iraq
Ireland
Macedonia
Macedonia
Malaysia
Mexico
Peru
Poland
Romania
Somalia
Somalia
Swaziland
Taiwan
Taiwan
Thailand
Turks & Caicos
Turks & Caicos
USA
Morocco
Abkhazia
Armenia
Armenia
Australia
Australia
Bangladesh
64
blite (LTE TDD)

MAX Telecom
Claro
Movistar
YooMee
Digicel
Blu (ex G-Kwik net ) (LTE TDD)
Goldkey Telecom
NITA (LTE TDD)
Reliance (LTE TDD and FDD)
Tikona (LTE TDD)
First Media (LTE TDD)
Imagine Group (LTE TDD)
Wind
Zain
Beeline Lao
LTC
Bite
P1 Networks (LTE TDD)
Asiaspace (LTE TDD)
REDtone
YTL Communications (Yes)
2degrees
Osnova Telecom (LTE TDD)
Swan Telecom
Cell C
Telesis
BayRICS
CenturyLink
VTel Wireless
West Central Wireless
Beeline
Massnet
M-Tel
T-Mobile (formerly ERA)
Etisalat
Bakcell
Sazz (LTE TDD)
CBL
Tigo
Nextel
Surfline Communications
Movistar
Aircel (LTE TDD)
Videocon
XL Axiata
Manx Telecom
Tishknet (LTE TDD)
O2 Ireland
ONE
VIP mobile
Telecom Malaysia
Nextel de Mexico
Entel
Milmex (LTE TDD)
2K Telecom
Nordic Group
Sahal Telecoms
MTN
Asia Pacific Telecom
Chunghwa Telecom
DTAC TriNet
Digicel
Islandcom
KPU (Alaska)
Inwi
Aquafon
Armentel
Orange Armenia
EnergyAustralia Ausgrid
TPG Internet
Banglalion (LTE TDD)
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2014
2015
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
March 31, 2014

Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belarus
Belize
Belgium
Cameroon
Canada
China
Colombia
Colombia
Costa Rica
Croatia
Dominican R
DR Congo
Egypt
Egypt
Equat Guinea
El Salvador
Ethiopia
Fiji
Finland
France
French Guiana
Gabon
Germany
Ghana
Guadeloupe
Guatemala
Guernsey (UK)
Honduras
Honduras
Honduras
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
India
Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia
Iraq
Israel
Israel
Israel
Isle of Man (UK)
Italy
Jamaica
Jersey (UK)
Jersey (UK)
Kazakhstan
Latvia
Latvia
Libya
Madagascar
Malaysia
Maldives
Martinique
Mayotte
Mongolia
Mongolia
Montenegro
Myanmar
Myanmar
Myanmar
Nepal
Nepal
Nicaragua
Nigeria
Nigeria
Nigeria
Ollo/BIEL (LTE TDD)

Qubee (LTE TDD)
beCloud
BeST (Life)
BTL
BUCD (LTE TDD)
YooMee (LTE TDD)
Videotron
Velatel-Aerostrong (LTE TDD)
Avantel
ETB
IBW International (LTE TDD)
Velatel (LTE TDD)
Wind Telecom
Smile
Etisalat Misr
Vodafone
Guineanet
Ethio Telecom
TFL
Datame (LTE TDD)
Bollore Telecom (LTE TDD)
Outremer Telecom
Gabon Telecom
DBD (LTE TDD)
Glo Mobile
Outremer Telecom
SURE
Claro
Hondutel
Tigo
21 Vianet Group (LTE TDD)
Vodafone Hungary
365 Media
Idea Cellular
Vodafone
Indosat
IM2 (LTE TDD)
Telkomsel
MaxyTel (LTE TDD)
Cellcom
Partner (Orange)
Pelephone
SURE
Linkem (LTE TDD)
Digitel (ex-Claro)
Clear Mobitel
SURE
Kcell
Bite
Tele2
Al Madar
Blueline (LTE TDD)
Altel
Dhiraagu
Outremer Telecom
Outremer Telecom
Mongolia Telecom
Ulusnet (LTE TDD)
Velatel (LTE TDD)
Ooredoo
Myanmar P & T
Telenor
Ncell
Nepal Telecom
Globacom
Mobitel (LTE TDD)
Visafone Communications
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
2015
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
Nigeria
Norway
Panama
Papua New G
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Puerto Rico
Runion
Romania
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Russia
Rwanda
Slovak Republic
South Africa
Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan
Tanzania
Trinidad&Tobago
Tunisia
Uruguay
Uruguay
UK
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
Vietnam
Venezuela
Venezuela
Venezuela
Zimbabwe
Zoda Fones (LTE TDD)

Tele2
Cable and Wireless
Digicel
Tigo
Claro
Bayan Telecommunications
PTK Centertel (Orange)
Aeronet (LTE TDD)
Outremer Telecom
RCS & RDS
Antares Group
MOTIV
SMARTS
Smoltelecom (LTE TDD)
Tattelecom
Tele2 Russia
TTK
KT Corp Government JV
Orange
WBS (iBurst)
Global Mobile (LTE TDD)
FarEasTone
Taiwan Mobile
Hon Hai
Star Mobile
Vodacom
Digicel T&T
Tunisiana
Dedicado (LTE TDD)
Movistar
NSV (BT) (FDD and TDD)
Aircell
Carolina West Wireless
Etex Telephone Co-op
Commnet Wireless
Convergence Technologies
Lightsquared
MTPCS
Sagebrush Cellular (Nemont)
SouthernLINC
SRT Communications
O2 Secure Wireless
S&T Telephone Cooperative
SGRITA
SpeedConnect
Texas Energy Network
United Wireless
Public Service Wireless
City of Charlotte Council
RusViet Telecom
Movilmax (LTE TDD)
Movilnet
Movistar
Aqiva Wireless
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
2014
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
2014
2014
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
54 pre-commitment LTE trials, studies

Country
Afghanistan
Argentina
Argentina
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia H
Bosnia H
Botswana
65
Operator
Etisalat
Telefonica
Personal
MTS
Telenet
Telekom Srpske trial completed
BH Telecom is planning a trial
Mascom Wireless
March 31, 2014

Brazil
Brazil
Brazil
Bulgaria
Canada
Canada
Egypt
Finland
Georgia
India
India
India
Indonesia
Indonesia
Jordan
Latvia
Latvia
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
New Zealand
New Zealand
Nigeria
Nigeria
Algar Telecom (CTBC)

Sao Paulo Military Police
Army trials planned
Vivacom
Wind Mobile
Xplornet (LTE TDD)
Mobinil
Anvia trialling in 700 MHz spectrum
Magticom
BSNL study phase LTE TDD
MTNL study phase LTE TDD
SSTL studying LTE800 (CDMA band)
Bakrie Telecom
Berca Hardayaperkasa LTE TDD
Umniah LTE trials completed
Triatel
Lattelecom
Beeline
Tele2
Safaricom
Kordia study phase
Woosh study phase
Airtel Nigeria Lagos trials completed
Starcomms study phase
Qatar
Runion
Saint Martin
Senegal
Senegal
Senegal
South Korea
Spain
Taiwan
Thailand
Thailand
Turkey
Turkey
Turkey
Ukraine
USA
USA
USA
Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam
66
Vodafone Qatar
SRR trial in 1800 MHz & 2.6 GHz
Dauphin Telecom
Orange trial started
Expresso/Sudatel authorized to trial
Tigo authorized to conduct trial
KMI applied for LTE TDD licence
R conducting LTE TDD trials
Fitel (LTE TDD)
DPC/AIS
AIS TOT
Avea
Turkcell
Vodafone
MTS-Ukraine
DISH Network - nTelos LTE TDD trial
DISH Network - Sprint LTE TDD trial
ISICSB
FPT Telecom
Indochina Telecom LTE TDD
VDC (VNPT)
Viettel
March 31, 2014
Spectrum used in commercially launched LTE networks

Source: GSA
LTE FDD networks

The chart below shows the frequency
bands that were currently in use in 274
commercially launched FDD networks,
according to information provided in
GSAs Evolution to LTE report of
February 17, 2014.
The majority of LTE operators have
deployed the FDD mode of the standard.
The most widely used band in network
deployments in commercial service today
continues to be 1800 MHz which is used
in 43% of commercially launched LTE
networks. 117 operators worldwide have
launched LTE1800 (band 3) systems,
either as a single band system, or as part
of a multi-band deployment. As 1800
MHz is the prime band for LTE
deployments worldwide, it will greatly
assist international roaming for mobile
broadband services.
The next most popular contiguous bands are 2.6 GHz (band 7) as used in 27% of networks in commercial service,
followed by 800 MHz (band 20) used in 13% of networks, and AWS (band 4) used in 9% of networks.
LTE TDD networks

The frequency bands that are currently in use in commercially launched TDD networks are as follows:
3GPP band
Frequency
40
38
41
42
39
2.3 GHz
2.6 GHz
2.6 GHz
3.5 GHz
1.9 GHz
Number of
networks
15
9
5
3
1
AN UPDATE TO THE ABOVE CHART TO ALIGN WITH THIS REPORT I.E. FREQUENCIES USED IN 279
COMMERCIALLY LAUNCHED LTE NETWORKS, WILL BE PRODUCED IN EARLY APRIL 2014 AND SHARED
VIA WWW.GSACOM.COM
67
March 31, 2014
Worldwide LTE subscriptions: 200.1 million Q4 2013

(subscriptions data source: Informa WCIS)
Download the above LTE subscriptions growth and regional shares charts from the GSA website at
http://www.gsacom.com/news/statistics
Q1 2014 subs data is expected to be confirmed to GSA in early June 2014. Our analysis of the verified data,
together with updated charts, will be available shortly afterwards on www.gsacom.com
1,563 LTE User Devices launched March 19, 2014 (GSA report)
See GSAs Status of the LTE Ecosystem report: Free download for GSA registered site users via the link on http://www.gsacom.com
Press release: http://www.gsacom.com/news/gsa_403.php
68
March 31, 2014
GSAs Status of the LTE Ecosystem report (March 19, 2014) confirmed that 154 manufacturers have announced
1,563 LTE-enabled user devices, including operator and frequency variants. 742 new LTE user devices were
launched in the past year, representing 90% annual growth. The number of manufacturers increased by 58% to
154 companies in the same period. Smartphones dominate as the largest device category increasing their share to
over 40% of all LTE device types. The numbers of LTE-connected personal hotspots (MiFi) and tablets are also
rapidly expanding.
1800 MHz (3GPP band 3) is the most widely used spectrum band by LTE operators in most regions. 43% of LTE
networks use 1800 MHz, either as a single band, or as part of a multi-band deployment. 1800 MHz is now also the
best supported frequency for LTE user devices, with more terminals able to operate in this band than in any other.
589 LTE1800 (band 3) user devices have been announced, representing annual growth of 152%.
The majority of terminals operate in the FDD mode. However, 387 products can operate in the LTE TDD (TD-LTE)
mode, 221 more than a year ago, underlining the importance of the TDD mode. Over 11% of LTE operators have
deployed the TDD mode in their networks.
Almost 90% of LTE operators have also deployed 3G network technologies (HSPA/HSPA+, EV-DO or TDSCDMA). Multimode LTE/3G user terminals help to ensure the best customer experience of mobile broadband
throughout an operators service area. 99% of LTE smartphones are multimode, capable of operating on 3G
networks. HSPA technology is the 3G technology of choice and used in 547 commercially launched networks
according to recent data published by GSA. Over two thirds of these operators have introduced HSPA+ technology
and investment in 42 Mbps DC-HSPA+ systems is a major growing trend. Over 72% of LTE devices can operate
on 3G/HSPA systems and 36% of LTE smartphones and 26% of LTE-connected tablets can operate on 42 Mbps
DC-HSPA+ networks.
Operators are also investing in LTE-Advanced technologies, initially using carrier aggregation to increase data
throughput, improve utilization of assets and network efficiency, and enhance user experience. Operators in at
least 25 countries have commercially launched networks that support Category 4 user devices, which have a peak
downlink rate up to 150 Mbps. A total of 233 Category 4 user devices (almost 15% of all LTE user devices) have
been announced. 300 Mbps LTE-Advanced systems (when used with Category 6 devices) represent a further gain
by combining 40 MHz of paired spectrum using carrier aggregation. The worlds first 300 Mbps LTE-Advanced
service was commercially launched last month and Category 6 devices are available in the market.
57 phones, including carrier and frequency variants, support VoLTE.
Download the above charts and more charts, maps etc. from http://www.gsacom.com/news/statistics
LTE User Devices LinkedIN Group http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4146472
Upcoming leading conferences where LTE will be discussed - with GSA participation
LTE Russia & CIS 2014 Moscow
CommunicAsia Summit 2014 Singapore
LTE World Summit 2014 - Amsterdam
Other events will be announced in future updates.
List of GSA supported events: http://www.gsacom.com/events/index.php4
Member discounts are available for most events
69
March 31, 2014
MORE RESOURCES ON www.gsacom.com

o
o
o
o
Map: Worldwide LTE network commitments, launches and trials (GSA)

CHART: Spectrum used in commercially launched LTE networks (GSA)
Status of the Global LTE TDD Market and Status of the Global LTE1800 Market reports (GSA)
5G: papers/presentations from Orange, NTT DoCoMo, Ericsson, Huawei, University of Surrey
Recommended recently added papers and presentations from GSA members on http://www.gsacom.com
Key characteristics of a Public Safety LTE Network (Ericsson)

Public Safety Mobile Broadband (Ericsson)
LTE Advanced Evolving and expanding into new frontiers (Qualcomm)
Extending LTE Advanced to Unlicensed Spectrum (Qualcomm)
Evolution of HSPA+ Carrier Aggregation (Qualcomm)
APT700 Market Update (Ericsson)
APT700 update (Qualcomm)
LTE Broadcast a revenue enabler in the mobile media era (Ericsson)
5G: A Technology Vision (Huawei)
Ericsson Mobility Report Interim Update February 2014
ALSO SEE Dec 2013 Feb 2014 Top 10 GSA Members papers: topics, download stats
LinkedIN discussion groups managed by GSA

Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2313721
APT700 band http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4759091
HD Voice (W-AMR) http://www.linkedin.com/groups?=&gid=3032759
LTE1800 http://www.linkedin.com/groups?=&gid=3129390
LTE-Broadcast http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=7435919
LTE TDD http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=3978061
LTE User Devices http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4146472
NVP - New Ventures Program http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4176808
UMTS900 http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=3031942
5G http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=5089259
GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association) represents GSM/EDGE/WCDMA-HSPA/LTE suppliers, providing reports, facts,
analysis and information explaining market developments and trends. GSA brings together a global industry community of
stakeholders including over 62,500 registered website users for dialog, knowledge gathering, sharing of key facts, trends, and
analysis. Over 19,000 members and followers participate in GSAs social network platforms. Register for updates, reports,
information papers, maps, charts, etc. at http://www.gsacom.com/php/register_form.php4
GSA Secretariat
Press: press@gsacom.com
General: info@gsacom.com
Phone: +44 1279 439 667
Website: www.gsacom.com
RSS Feed: www.gsacom.com/rss/gsanews.php4

GSA LinkedIN group www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2313721
Twitter: www.twitter.com/gsacom
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Global-mobileSuppliers-Association-GSA/123462771012551
GSA strives at all times to ensure that the information provided is always as accurate as possible. The content contained in this report is
based on information provided to GSA in good faith but such information cannot always be fully guaranteed and at all times. Therefore such
content is provided without warranty in currentness, completeness or correctness. Errors and Omissions Excepted. Copyright GSA
Global mobile Suppliers Association. Reproduction of this material for non-commercial use is allowed if the source is stated. For other use
please contact the GSA Secretariat via email to info@gsacom.com
Comments about this report and updates are welcome by email please to info@gsacom.com
ETSI has registered LTE as a trademark for the benefit of the 3GPP Partners. GSA is a Market Representation Partner in 3GPP
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Evolution to LTE Report

March 31, 2014

This report and all related materials and resources

Please also see www.gsacom.com/disclaimer.php4

Information is provided herein about the LTE system,

LTE Market Summary March 2014

482 operator commitments in 147 countries

GSA forecasts 350+ commercially launched

1,563 LTE user devices announced

Information for the production of this report was

LTE is the fastest developing mobile system

GSA provides additional LTE-related resources to

The phase in which a public telecommunications operator

Selected charts and maps are also available as PDF

Status of the LTE Ecosystem report

Status of the Global LTE TDD Market report

Status of the Global LTE1800 Market report

Evolution to LTE Report

March 31, 2014

279 commercially launched LTE networks in

Softbank Mobile XGP/LTE TDD later FDD

Meo (formerly TMN)

Evolution to LTE Report

March 31, 2014

Evolution to LTE Report

March 31, 2014

LTE is a single global standard with

Spectrum for LTE deployments

GSA Global mobile Suppliers Association www.gsacom.com

Evolution to LTE Report

March 31, 2014

being deployed alongside simplified, IP-based core

vendor ecosystem and limit potential market

Improvements in latency, capacity, throughput

The resulting evolved packet system comprizes the

Within globally assigned IMT bands for mobile

Category 4 (Cat 4) is the next evolutionary step of

LTE networks, developments global round-up

LTE TDD Systems

Evolution to LTE Report

March 31, 2014

Verizon Wireless commercially launched LTE using

Through its LTE in Rural America program Verizon

Appalachian Wireless Kentucky

NorthwestCell launched on May 13, 2013.

Pioneer Cellular launched commercial LTE service

In December 2013 AT&T announced launch of LTE

Evolution to LTE Report

March 31, 2014

closed, the new single company is trading as T

Carolina West is deploying an LTE network.

Colorado Valley Communications (Texas) - a

Adams NetWorks (western Illinois) commercially

Aircell aims to use LTE to boost its in-flight network

Leap Wireless' Cricket subsidiary commercially

BendBroadband announced on May 17, 2012 that

Evolution to LTE Report

March 31, 2014

CDMA operator Nex-Tech Wireless commercially

Kayenta, Chinle, and Tuba City. The project will also

Sprint commercially launched LTE FDD service on

Satellite TV provider DISH Network applied to the

In early 2014 it was reported that Sprint, together