Sweden have done it again!

[DJ...]

From the makers of 2009's popular hit, "free 7.2Mbps HSDPA" comes the equally revolutionary sequel, "4G has landed".

http://www.fin24.com/articles/defau...leId=1518-1783_2565129&IsColumnistStory=False

Johannesburg - Swedish cellular network TeliaSonera announced on Monday it has turned on the world's first Long-Term Evolution (LTE) broadband cellular network - a bundle of technologies to replace 3G for internet connections to cellular devices.

TeliaSonera operates a commercial mobile broadband network in Stockholm that is now the fastest in the world. The LTE technology in use was provided by cellular infrastructure vendor Ericsson.

Said Carl-Henric Svanberg, president and CEO of Ericsson: "The new era of mobile broadband has just begun today. With LTE, so-called 4G, your mobile broadband experience is moving to unequalled levels."

Svanberg explained LTE is many times faster than 3G connections, allowing for sophisticated content, such as high definition video, to be provided wirelessly to mobile devices. He added LTE offers the kind of broadband previously only experienced on fixed-line connections using fibre optics. It offers speeds that eclipse even ADSL.

It is uncertain when the first LTE network will be available in South Africa. Cellular network operator Vodacom has confirmed that it is in the process of installing LTE-ready infrastructure on its towers with Chinese partner Huawei, but has since cut back on capital expenditure.

Third cellular operator Cell C announced last week that it will spend billions upgrading its network and incorporating broadband technologies, but has favoured HSPA+, a progression of 3G technologies, over LTE, which CEO Lars Reichelt said is not yet practical for use.

Pity we no longer compare regarding mobile broadband services on a global scale. We keep falling further and further behind based on what I'm reading. I recently completed a business plan which requires the speeds of 4G services and didn't even bother contemplating sending it out to check the appetite for financing considering the dismal state of mobile broadband affairs in the country. It's prohibitively expensive, especially considering the ridiculously small caps imposed. Further proof that our exorbitant cost of broadband limits one's ability to conduct business in the country. Even if my business proposes an increase in mobile broadband traffic for one provider of at least 100TBs per month.

Any idea when one of the big players will roll-out LTE in SA? I read Cell C's "imminent" broadband rollout - could LTE be the barge in Cell C's barrier to entry?

 

[SteveO]

Any idea when one of the big players will roll-out LTE in SA? I read Cell C's "imminent" broadband rollout - could LTE be the barge in Cell C's barrier to entry?

No, LTE is far far far away for SA. None of the vendors have actual LTE equipment in SA yet. They have LTE ready stuff but nothing that supports the technology....we havent even got an HSPA+ network up yet.

 

[semiautomatix]

Pity we no longer compare regarding mobile broadband services on a global scale. We keep falling further and further behind based on what I'm reading. I recently completed a business plan which requires the speeds of 4G services and didn't even bother contemplating sending it out to check the appetite for financing considering the dismal state of mobile broadband affairs in the country. It's prohibitively expensive, especially considering the ridiculously small caps imposed. Further proof that our exorbitant cost of broadband limits one's ability to conduct business in the country. Even if my business proposes an increase in mobile broadband traffic for one provider of at least 100TBs per month.

Any idea when one of the big players will roll-out LTE in SA? I read Cell C's "imminent" broadband rollout - could LTE be the barge in Cell C's barrier to entry?

There is a very good reason the entire world lags behind Sweden and Finland in terms of cellular technology.

 

[DJ...]

There is a very good reason the entire world lags behind Sweden and Finland in terms of cellular technology.

True, but for a country that used to market its world-class mobile broadband internet offerings, I think we're slipping behind in that department. I've seen very few newsworthy articles relating to mobile broadband of late...

 

[Shake&Bake]

MTN have shown that LTE is on their agenda - when it actually becomes active, is a different story.

And, I'd rather not comment any further