UK regulator, Ofcom has announced a timetable for the 4G LTE mobile spectrum auction. This new spectrum will almost double the amount of bandwidth currently available to 3G networks. Ofcom has confirmed reserve prices for the different lots of spectrum to £1.3 billion and has set the auction rules, from applying to bidding.
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Verizon Wireless to Complete LTE Rollout by Mid-2013
Verizon Wireless is aiming to complete its 4G LTE network rollout by mid-2013, announced Fran Shammo, Verizon’s EVP & CFO, at Wells Fargo Technology Media & Telecom Conference last week. Verizon Wireless had earlier said that by 2013 the LTE coverage map will match it’s current 3G coverage map.
TeliaSonera Expands LTE Network to 50 cities in Finland
TeliaSonera’s LTE network now operates in nearly 50 cities in Finland. During the fall, operator introduced LTE in Kajaani, Kokkola, Kotka, Lappeenranta, Naantali, Rauma, Salo and Savonlinna.
AT&T to Invest $14B in Wireless and Wireline Broadband Networks
AT&T plans to invest $14 billion over the next three years to expand and enhance its wireless and wireline IP broadband networks to support growing customer demand for high-speed Internet access and new mobile, app and cloud services. Company expects $8 billion investment for wireless initiatives and $6 billion for wireline initiatives.
Sprint to Acquire Spectrum, Customers in Midwest from U.S. Cellular
Sprint has agreed to acquire PCS spectrum and customers from U.S. Cellular for $480 million. The deal includes parts of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri and Ohio including the Chicago and St. Louis markets.
3 Italia Launches 4G LTE Services
3 Italia has launched LTE network in the village of Acuto, in the province of Frosinone. Operator plans to activate LTE service nationwide, beginning from Rome and Milan in the month of December.
European Commission Adds More Radio Spectrum for 4G
The European Commission announced addition of 120 MHz to the radio spectrum portfolio for LTE technology, around the 2 GHz band. Currently this band is used for 3G UMTS networks. It is mandatory for EU Member States to open the relevant spectrum by 30 June 2014 at the latest.
Belgacom Launches LTE in 8 Cities in Belgium
Belgium’s operator, Belgacom has launched commercial LTE services in eight cities in the country. The eight cities are Hasselt, Antwerp, Ghent, Leuven, Liège, Namur, Mons, Waver and the Haasrode Industrial Park. operator started rolling out the 4G network in June 2011.
Vodafone Starts LTE Network Trial in Romania
Vodafone Romania has launched LTE network in Romania and announced that its customers, in major cities, can test LTE services free at speeds up to 75 Mbps until the commercial launch.
MetroPCS to Deploy Rich Communication Services
MetroPCS Communications has announced commercial launch of Rich Communication Services (RCS) on its 4G LTE network. MetroPCS will offer its RCS services under the GSMA-licensed joyn brand. RCS services is initially available on the Samsung Galaxy Attain 4G via joyn application.