LTE+: Google and Apple could become operators

LTE Advanced would enable Google or Apple to become mobile operators, according to Dr Willie Donnelly of the TSSG. The advances in network management could make it possible for anyone to become a mobile operator.

But if it’s so amazing, where is LTE Advanced? For that matter, where’s LTE?

What is LTE?

LTE is the long-awaited replacement for modern 3G networks. GoMo News has covered and explained LTE before, but the basics are these: it will be faster and more reliable than 3G networks, and cheaper for operators to run. The current vertsion of LTE is called Release 10 – but this and all subsequent releases are being called LTE Advanced, or LTE+.

Some sectors are hailing LTE as the saviour of operators that are having struggling to handle all the new data use from high-tech phones. But there are those who claim it could be a massive waste of money for mobile operators. Others suggest the expense of rolling out an LTE network could force mobile operators to do the unthinkable, and openly share network infrastructure. GoMo News got an update on both of these suggestions at an LTR in Dublin, Ireland, last Thursday, organised by the TSSG here in Waterford and Trinity College Dublin’s Centre for Telecommunications Value-Chain Research (CTVR). Speakers included Ericcson, Alcatel-Lucent, Irish operator Eircom and even Comreg.

So what do the big stakeholders think?

Researchers:

Professor Linda Doyle, Director of CTVR (pictured left with Dr Willie Donnelly of TSSG) believes that LTE+ offers a number of advantages to consumers, such as “greater security and privacy”.  LTE+ also offers some “business-specific applications and services such as video conferencing and mobile commerce” All of this, it is anticipated, will bring “the desktop experience directly to mobile devices.”

Operators:

Aircom’s claim last week that HSPA+ is a better investment for many operators was backed up by Eircom’s mobile strategy – they intend to move to HSPA+ rather than wait for LTE+.

Policy makers:

Comreg Ireland doesn’t see problems with operators sharing infrastructure as long as it does not impact competition. However LTE itself has a problem with sharing and Ericsson pointed out it may be LTE Release 11 or 12 before sharing can happen; in man years that could be 2013.

What we think?

LTE and now LTE+ have merit and considerable weight behind them. Word is spreading that mobile operators are afraid of the cost of investing or upgrading to LTE.  However, sources GoMo News spoke to, claim that, that’s just talk and that the operators are the ones pushing for LTE.  Operators want the increased bandwidth it will provide – leading to increased usage, increased services and increased revenue. GoMo believes operators are buying time until they absolutely have to invest. SMEs and consumers need to pressure their operators to provide more bandwidth.  This pressure may speed up the inevitable move to LTE+