Andre Yoskowitz
17 Jun 2012 2:11
T-Mobile is looking to be the first carrier to support LTE Release 10, the next generation of the 4G network.
The carrier is already deploying base stations and will go live with the network next year, besting rivals like Verizon and AT&T, which are still rolling out their first generation LTE networks.
Release 10 supports up to 40MHz channels, carrier aggregation, 8x8 MIMO antennas and has the ability to "use separate spectrum bands in a single service." This means much higher peak data rates and theoretically much more reliable connections for users.
"We're excited about the capabilities of what we can bring with Release 10," says Neville Ray, chief technology officer.
The carrier aggregation is seen as the most important aspect of the network, as the industry is struggling to find more spectrum. T-Mobile will spend $4 billion over the next two years deploying the network. The money comes via AT&T, who had to pay the large break-up fee after their acquisition plans were denied.
Reportedly, T-Mobile will also be the first to deploy Voice over LTE, removing the need for 3G networks to carry voice: "I think they want to run voice service on LTE to put as many users into the new network as possible and hopefully migrate their existing users to it and shut down old network. That's sensible, and it's what I would do," says a source (via EET).