MTN's LTE architecture

[magicfoot]

I understand that the LTE uses a different set of transmission antennas compared to those used for the 3G service, is that correct ? Do the LTE towers transmit and receive 3G as well, or is this an entirely different system ? If the LTE system is not available to my phone, it will use 3G: is this all done via the LTE system or is my phone interacting with two different services ?

Also: I noticed that the LTE antennas are positioned geographically at sites other than the towers using the regular GPRS. Why is this ?

 

[Voldemort]

I understand that the LTE uses a different set of transmission antennas compared to those used for the 3G service, is that correct ? Do the LTE towers transmit and receive 3G as well, or is this an entirely different system ? If the LTE system is not available to my phone, it will use 3G: is this all done via the LTE system or is my phone interacting with two different services ?

Also: I noticed that the LTE antennas are positioned geographically at sites other than the towers using the regular GPRS. Why is this ?

It works on different frequencies- LTE is 1800MhZ, 3G is either 900 or 2100Mhz. Different antennas are used yes.
Some sites are only activated with one technology to close the gap in coverage in certain areas or because they will overheat if other technologies are introduced.