4G network goes live in London
March 1, 2012
UK Broadband, holder of 4G spectrum, has switched on its first LTE system in London, using TD-LTE technology from Huawei.
UK Broadband claims that this is the first TD-LTE 3.5GHz deployment in the world and the first commercial 4G deployment in the UK. It will operate a wholesale model, working with partners to offer commercial services from May to businesses and the public sector. The network will initially cover the Southbank and Borough areas of Southwark.
The network uses UK Broadband’s 124MHz of spectrum in LTE bands 42 and 43 (3.5GHz and 3.6GHz). The first devices, jointly developed by UK Broadband and Huawei, include indoor and outdoor units for high-speed wireless broadband to homes and businesses within the coverage area.
Multi-mode mobile devices supporting TD-LTE, FD-LTE and 3G will be available from September.