LTE: Alcatel Lucent and Sprint deal will speed Sprint LTE deployment

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

 

LTE: Alcatel Lucent and Sprint deal will speed Sprint LTE deployment.

Alcatel-Lucent's LightRadio gains traction as Sprint signs up for a substantial deployment. I.D. Scales reports.

Sprint is to deploy a substantial underlay of Alcatel Lucent's tiny LightRadio base stations as part of a complete revamp of its mobile network in the US.

 

Lots of interest and a slew of trials and commercial deployments have been ongoing since the company announced the tiny radio technology early last year, but this meaty order from the number three US mobile network will be seen as a major step forward for what Alcatel Lucent has been championing as a revolutionary new product set and micro base station approach. 

 

LightRadio is designed to enable operators to cope with rocketing mobile broadband demand by peppering hotspots with tiny and unobtrusive cells which can be made to support a heterogenous array of radio standards - Gs 2, 3 and 4 as well as WiFi. The technology uses a 'cloud' approach by separating out radio, antenna and processing functions and moving them about -  so that processing from muliple cells, for instance, might be aggregated at a processing point near the edge of the network.

This all helps to keep costs and power consumption down. 

 

Sprint is rolling out its new LTE network in the US and the LightRadio microcells are to perform an 'augmenting' role by providing dense coverage inside buildings and eventually in outside public areas - such as sports stadiums - where demand is high. This particular deployment will support LTE only. 

 

AlcaLu claims it has many more commercial deals in the pipeline (but can't talk about many of them). Telefonica, for instance, demonstrated indoor use of the tiny cells at this year's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

 

News of Sprint's plans confirms the likely role the small cell option is going to play as operators build out their LTE networks. As more and more LTE devices are put in the hands of users the load on the macro network will increase but, as always with access networks, capacity problems happen at specific times and specific places (and these may change over time as the built environment in which they operate changes).

 

The underlay option means that small cells can be deployed on an as-needed basis in particular places (and perhaps only be active for a set time) enabling mobile operators to stay ahead of the demand curve with steady, incremental small cell investments, perhaps involving a range of radio standards (WiFi in particular) as demand increases. 

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USA: Verizon ramp-up in car LTE connectivity.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

USA: Verizon ramp-up in car LTE connectivity.

Verizon's making a pointed effort to try and ramp up in-car LTE connectivity. Last Friday Verizon quietly announced that the company would be spending $612 million to acquire Hughes Telematics, a company that focuses on in-car computer technology. Now Verizon has also announced the creation of the 4G Venture Forum for Connected Cars, a forum spearheaded by Verizon to help make their LTE service the backbone of in-car technology:

BMW, Honda, Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors and Toyota Motor Sales, Inc. are joining Verizon as the initial members of the Forum. Professor Sanjay Sarma of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology also joins the Forum, providing members a link to track important advancements in related academic research. The group will collaborate and explore ways to deliver connectivity to vehicles of all types, by leveraging open standards and discussing ways to accelerate development of the 4G LTE ecosystem across automotive OEMs, suppliers, device manufacturers, application developers and content publishers.

And by "open standards," Verizon means standards approved by Verizon that shoves all vendors toward their own LTE technology. Verizon's already long pushed this technology in conjunction with OnStar, but apparently wants to see more dramatic progress in the in-car broadband market, which have stalled due to safety concerns -- and questions as to whether it's actually even needed in the smartphone/mobile hotspot age.

It remains unclear if consumers are on board -- given most users can now turn their smartphone into a mobile hotspot (and more easily updatable GPS system) wherever they go, making in-dash embedded technology less useful. Absent from the lineup of participating companies is the big auto makers, most of whom have their own ideas on this front. Ford, for example, has been playing with the idea of mesh network connectivity for communications and in-car safety network technology.

In Europe Alcatel_Lucent launched a similar program in 2009. http://www.ngconnect.org/program/connected-car.htm

What do you like best about the LTE Connected Car?

"...the tight integration to the web and that when I am in the car I am also, essentially, still at home...virtual mechanic would be incredible. I like ...[the] fact that it is tightly integrated and not simply a collection of add-ons."
– respondent from the United States^*

"...the fact that the car 'does' everything for the driver - scheduling test check,
tele-mechanic, etc."
– respondent from Poland^*

Video:

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LTE: Verizon and Alcatel-Lucent in a $4bn deal

Verizon Wireless ,leading US wireless phone provider and global telecommunication major Alcatel-Lucent , on Thursday announced a four-year agreement expected to be worth $4 billion for Alcatel-Lucent wireless network architecture and services to support Verizon Wireless' ongoing 3G network expansion and 4G/ LTE network build out.

Under the agreement, Alcatel-Lucent will provide infrastructure solutions spanning its entire portfolio, including end-to-end CDMA and LTE radio network solutions, IP, optical and microwave backhaul and transport and complete portfolio of professional and network integration services, a company press release said. Alcatel-Lucent continues to be a major Verizon Wireless' network infrastructure supplier and the agreement builds on a long-standing relationship between the two companies.

Alcatel-Lucent is a leading player in the wireless infrastructure market, having deployed more than 350 commercial wireless networks worldwide. It is also a world leader in the design, deployment , management and integration of networks.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Verizon-in-4bn-deal-with-Alcatel-Lucent-/articleshow/6874539.cms

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LTE: Alcatel-Lucent Steve West talks LTE/4G

.Steve West, of Alcatel-Lucent, discusses the role mobile and broadband networks play in video delivery

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LTE: Alcatel-Lucent First public safety broadband spectrum LTE demonstration.

WorldWideTech. Francisco De Jes�s. Nov 1, 2010.

Alcatel-Lucent, in cooperation with the Alexandria Police Department, conducted a live demonstration of data capabilities for first responders using the LTE Public Safety Broadband (PSBB) spectrum in Alexandria, VA, on October 15, 2010.

 This demonstration highlighted network readiness to support current public safety applications used by police and other emergency response personnel as well as new applications enabled by wireless broadband.

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Alcatel-Lucent achieving US nationwide public safety LTE broadband network

Press Release:

Orlando, Monday, October 25, 2010 - At the 117^th annual International Association of Chief of Police Conference (IACP) being held in Orlando Florida (23-27 Oct. 2010), Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) announced that they are leading the way toward the establishment of a nationwide US public safety broadband network. The company is the first technology partner to go live at Long Term Evolution (LTE) emergency communications demonstration network in Boulder, CO, which is being managed by the Public Safety Communications Research (PSCR) program, which was established by the US Department of Commerce.


LTE helps increase the speed and precision of the decision-making process for first responders, shaving seconds and minutes off of their response time in life-threatening situations. Approximately two million first responders in the US will ultimately benefit from this technology.


The PSCR program is a partnership of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Law Enforcement Standards Office and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The PSCR provides objective technical support�research, development, testing and evaluation�in order to foster nationwide public safety communications interoperability. Alcatel-Lucent was the first public safety technology partner to formally join the PSCR demonstration project in September 2010 and provided a complete end-to-end LTE solution.


"The demonstration network developed by the joint NIST-NTIA Public Safety Communications Research (PSCR) program is an important part of the strategy for a nationwide interoperable Public Safety Broadband network in 700 MHz. Here in the Boulder area, we will provide a common field environment for manufacturers, carriers, and public safety agencies to test and evaluate advanced broadband communications equipment and software tailored specifically to the needs of emergency first responders.� explained Derek Orr, Program Manager, NIST/OLES, Public Safety Communications.


�We�re excited and honored to be the very first technology partner at the PSCR lab here in Boulder. This demonstration network is a crucial building block for public safety as first responders can now see that the dream of a national broadband network is becoming a reality, said Morgan Wright, Vice President, Global Public Safety Segment at Alcatel-Lucent. �This is further proof of the commitment Alcatel-Lucent has to providing the best technology in support of the public safety mission.�


Wireless broadband is essential for addressing mission-critical needs requiring high data throughput for applications such as video surveillance, automated vehicle license plate recognition, biometric identification, mobile crime scene units and mobile incident command, geospatial information systems, automated vehicle location and more.


Alcatel-Lucent is making rapid strides in making LTE a reality for public safety applications having achieved a series of industry firsts in this space. Most recently the company -- in cooperation with the Alexandria Police Department -- conducted a live demonstration of data capabilities for first responders using the LTE Public Safety Broadband (PSBB) spectrum. This was the first live application of PSBB radio spectrum in the United States. See the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3HYsOhXxgk

Having been selected so far by seven customers for commercial deployments, including two of the world�s largest service providers, and being involved in more than 50 customer trials, Alcatel-Lucent has established a clear leadership position in Long Term Evolution (LTE).


Our trial and contract awards span all regions of the globe.

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LTE Europe: Operators could increase revenues from 10 to 30% .

Press Release

Alcatel-Lucent primary research shows European Consumers and Businesses That Are Ready for LTE Applications

Bell Labs' analysis shows how LTE Applications Opportunities dog drive new revenue for services providers

Paris,  European Telecommunications Operators consumer Revenues Could Increase by as much as 10 Percent, and enterprise Revenues by Nearly 30 Percent as the adoption of LTE technology matures.That's the Finding of an Extensive pan-European study by Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) That found strong support and demand for Applications enabled by LTE (long term evolution) mobile broadband networks. The study gauged the preferences of More Than 950 4.500 Consumers and enterprise Respondents based in France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Using the results of the study, Alcatel-Lucent Bell Labs' Network Planning, Performance & Economic Analysis Confirmed That business modeling team this Interested in new LTE optimized translated Into Applications Could Be a Significant Opportunity and Substantial market revenue gain for services providers. The results weitere Concluded That Could Be the Greatest Benefits Gained by leveraging a market entry strategy based on Carefully packaged and priced applications.

Key facts from the survey:

Businesses & Enterprises

• Interest in signing-up for LTE service was found to Be High across all enterprise segments, and WAS Especially high in medium-and large-sized Businesses. Findings from the survey Indicate That More Than Half of Small-sized Businesses, and more Than three-quarters of medium-sized and large-sized enterprises Are Interested in signing-up for next generation wireless network access for Their Employees.
• The Findings Indicate That Interest in Accessing LTE Also Impacts customer service loyalty. Again, WAS A Higher response rate report for the medium-sized and large-sized enterprise Respondents. More than half of small-sized Businesses, and over 70 Percent of medium-sized companies, and over 80 Percent of large-sized enterprises report They Would change service providers in order to get LTE.
• Improved speed and quick response time (Improved interactivity) Were the top two ranked attributes for Enhancing quality of experience, across all enterprise segments. However, ranked Highest speed for the small-sized enterprises, while Improved interactivity WAS MOST important for medium-and large-sized enterprises.

The LTE-optimized in the study Covered Applications Were Received solidly in the three European Countries, Especially by medium-sized and large-sized enterprises. In Addition to mobile cloud computing, the Surveyed Enterprises Also express to Strong Interest in signing up for mobile Collaboration and multi-party video conferencing.

Consumers:

• More than half of Consumers Surveyed Are likely to sign up for LTE, and 40 Percent Would switch network providers to gain access to the technology.
• The main Perceived Benefit for Consumers WAS faster speeds.
• Live Messaging, and Enhanced Next Generation Mobile Music Video with enhanced end-user experience in a next-generation network environment the top three consumer Were Applications tested.

"Anticipation, New Opportunities and Excitement is building Among Both Businesses and Consumers," Said Ken Wirth, head of Alcatel-Lucent's LTE 4G Activities. "Our research results to strong endorsement Are LTE-Enabled Applications That will drive revenue Significant Opportunities for service providers."

"Our analysis shows That with the right end-to-end Infrastructure, bundle offer and market approach, dog service providers capitalize on the pent up demand for mobile broadband services," Said Rati Thanawala, Vice-president, Network Planning, Performance & Economic Analysis, Bell Labs "They Revenues Could optimize migration strategy with a first Focused on Offering Carefully Chosen Towards Applications and Pricing Strategies Enterprises, And Then with creative offers for Consumers."

Having Been selected by seven customers so far for commercial deployments, Including two of the world's largest service providers, and Being Involved in More Than 50 customer trials, Alcatel-Lucent has ESTABLISHED a clear leadership position in Long Term Evolution (LTE).

Our trial and contract awards span all regions of the globe.

More information about Alcatel-Lucent in LTE: www.alcatel-lucent.com/lte

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Verizon and Alcatel-Lucent explore enterprise opportunities

In a dual-presentation keynote this morning in Chicago, Verizon Wireless and Alcatel-Lucent detailed how the LTE network, paired with new devices and applications will drive mobile enterprise adoption and present operators with new ways to make money. Both presenters said video conferencing could be a popular app.

In healthcare, clinicians will have an easier time collaborating on patient care over the LTE network, said Ken Wirth, president of 4G/LTE networks, at Alcatel-Lucent. Patient after-care can also go mobile with remote blood pressure monitors and glucose monitors that connect back to the healthcare provider. The revenue model for that kind of application could be similar to the Amazon Kindle model, where the end user isn't directly billed by the wireless operator for wireless access.

As 4G networks get built, devices will change to accommodate new applications, Wirth said, noting that people will move beyond smart phones and netbooks, to machine-to-machine connections, the connected car, and individual devices in the home connecting to the network.

Drilling down to the connected home, Mike Laman, president, enterprise and government markets at Verizon Wireless, said a major manufacturer plans to deploy embedded chips in washers and dryers to offer pre-emptive maintenance opportunities.

Laman also detailed how a home improvement company plans to use video conferencing to offer plumbing expertise in their stores. Retired plumbers can be put on video to answer customer questions over the LTE network.

Monetization schemes can range from mobile advertising to the Kindle model to a pay-per-clip and pay-per-dip model, Wirth said. �We can expose the network infrastructure in a controlled way so that service providers can offer new services and applications, even ones not yet invented,� Wirth said.

Laman noted that Verizon Wireless has brought 400 chief information officers into Alcatel-Lucent facilities in the last 18 months. Those CIOs want the network intelligence so they can support applications like presence on multiple devices, writing the app only once and knowing it can be supported in a secure environment in the cloud. The CIOs also are interested in the global partnerships that Verizon Wireless has forged and in the economies of scale that LTE brings to market as it is adopted worldwide.

The enhanced connectivity LTE brings to market can benefit sales forces, Laman said, with a truly mobile office. That mobility can enable companies to lower their bottom-line costs because they won't have to support as many brick and mortar offices. Likewise, robust video-conferencing can lower business travel costs.

Related post: Verizon launches LTE innovation center http://worldwidegadget.blogspot.com/2010/10/verizon-launches-lte-innovation-center.html

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AT&T to launch LTE by mid-2011

AT&T Mobility (NYSE:T) will launch commercial LTE service by mid-2011, and will cover between 70 million and 75 million POPs by the end of next year, a top executive said.

Speaking at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2010 Media, Communications & Entertainment Conference, AT&T Operations CEO John Stankey said the company is actively working with its primary LTE vendor partners--Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) and Alcatel-Lucent (NASDAQ:ALU)--to get the network ready for launch. The company is currently conducting LTE trials in Baltimore and Dallas, Stankey said.

AT&T has said it wanted to wait for the LTE market to mature before moving forward with a full-scale deployment. Stankey said AT&T is working on a different kind of implementation for LTE than other carriers, and needs to carry forward its UMTS services to ensure that voice and data services can work simultaneously on both UMTS and LTE. The company is spending $700 million in capital expenditures on LTE this year and "will go far beyond that" in 2011, Stankey said.

By contrast, Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ) intends to launch 25-30 commercial LTE markets in the fourth quarter of this year, covering 100 million POPs. Verizon has said it plans to double the number of its LTE markets 15 months after its initial launch this year.

Stankey also touched on AT&T's 3G network. AT&T is readying a nationwide HSPA+ upgrade for this year, which AT&T executives have said will allow the carrier to deliver real-world download speeds of 7 Mbps. In the meantime, the carrier continues to upgrade backhaul to cell sites it has upgraded to HSPA 7.2 technology.

Stankey said he is "never satisfied" with AT&T's network, and that the company is continually working to improve it. He said that by Oct. 1, AT&T will have added 600 additional radio carriers in San Francisco, which has been a trouble spot for the company.

However, Stankey said, AT&T's network upgrade efforts have been hampered by continuing parts shortages from key vendors. He said AT&T is currently dealing with $300 million worth of backlogged network equipment. "We know we need that to deal with capacity," he said. 

 

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