China Mobile backs LTE
February 14, 2008
China Mobile, the world's largest mobile phone operator, is to lend its support to LTE, the wireless broadband standard that looks set to become the flagship 4G technology. LTE, or Long Term Evolution, is gaining strong momentum as the next generation wireless technology to provide super-fast web surfing on mobiles.
Arun Sarin, Vodafone's chief executive, said it would join China Mobile and Verizon Wireless, the second-largest US mobile operator, to promote LTE. It suggests LTE will emerge as the leading 4G technology, rather than WiMax or Ultra Mobile Broadband, which are the main alternatives. Sarin said WiMax should be harmonised with LTE, adding that Vodafone is planning to roll out 4G networks from 2010.
Alcatel-Lucent, the Franco-American telecoms equipment maker, and NEC, the Japanese electronics group, on Tuesday announced a joint venture under which they will pool research and development on LTE.