UK finally gets LTE !! UK Broadband first to launch TD-LTE Network

UK Broadband, the PCCW owned company on Wednesday switched on its TD-LTE Infrastructure, becoming the first organisation in the UK to do so. Not only that, it also became the first-TD LTE network worldwide to operate in the 3.5GHz spectrum band.

The network, based on equipment provided by Huawei is mainly for demo purposes as the company seeks to attract potential customers, however its rollout plan will see it build additional network in areas where customers require 4G LTE, with a commercial launch slated for May this year

Nicholas James, CEO of UK Broadband, was quoted in an article published on www.totaltele.com this week, by Mary Lennighan as saying “we will be announcing a city build in a couple of weeks”, he also went on to mention that “by June of next year” UK Broadband would be launching a Huawei Smartphone that will run both on its frequency and in the 2.6GHz band, as well as on standard 3G networks to provide full coverage.

The company also stated that many potential wholesale customers are waiting in the wings to test out the new network, having waited for a few years to see what UK Broadband would do with its sizeable spectrum holdings. The announcement brings the UK another step closer to the launch of 4G LTE internet.

Total Telecom is delighted that UK Broadband will be sponsoring at Breakfast with Total Telecom’s LTE opportunities event on the 14^th of March, in London. CTO, Philip Marnick will be speaking at the event for the first time, post UK Broadband’s announcement on Wednesday at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, with further insight into the company’s plans for its LTE network.

With industry experts from Virgin Media, GSMA, iBasis, Ovum and Jones Day also speaking at the breakfast, do not miss the opportunity to be part of this event and join in on the discussion. Registration is free for operators/service providers and carriers, availability is limited so now is the best chance to confirm your participation. Click here to register, alternatively email breakfast@totaltele.com.

Breakfast: #LTE Opportunities, Register for free

The successful ‘Breakfast with Total Telecom’ series continues in 2012; our first edition will take place on March 14^th focusing on the hot topic of LTE opportunities. Our fantastic line up of speakers will take the stand to discuss their strategies and ideas within the LTE space for 2012 and beyond.

Join the breakfast briefing and hear from:

Kevin Baughan, Director Metro Wireless, Virgin Media, discussing the role that small cell technology will play in creating truly super connected cities across the UK.

Dan Warren, Senior Director Technology, GSMA, will be looking at the true path to 4G and why we have to make the journey.

Francesco Liberatore, Associate, Jones Day will be focusing on the legal challenges associated with LTE opportunities; and the tension between current policy objectives and what the rules allow.

Following on from the presentations we have our panel discussion comprising of

Steven Hartley – Principal Analyst – Ovum Telco Strategy Practice
Ajay Joseph – CTO – iBasis (A KPN company)
Philip Marnick – CTO – UK Broadband (A PCCW company)
Kevin Baughan – Director Metro Wireless  – Virgin Media
Dan Warren – Senior Director Technology – GSMA

This panel discussion will be looking at the current scenario in the LTE space whilst also examining the case studies and looking at the opportunities for Telco’s to exploit.

Our sponsors for the event are:

UK Broadband, holders of the largest commercial LTE network in the UK. 

iBasis, the leading international voice carrier and a provider of data services for mobile operators.

Join Breakfast with Total Telecom March 14^th and discover the LTE opportunities. This event is free for operators, click here to register.