DOW JONES NEWSWIRES Network equipment joint venture Nokia Siemens Networks (NOK, SI) said Thursday it is extending its TD-LTE (time division duplex long term evolution) technology to support the 1.9GHz frequency bands. MAIN FACTS: -The move allows operators to use existing 1.9GHz spectrum allocations to provide TD-LTE services. -While many operators are expected to benefit from the expanded TD-LTE capability, China Mobile Ltd. (CHL) has specific plans to evolve its TD-SCDMA network to dual-mode, supporting both TD-SCDMA and TD-LTE services in the 1.9GHz band via a simple software upgrade. -The TD-SCDMA spectrum can then be refarmed to support TD-LTE services, hastening China Mobile's move to the 4G technology. -"The expansion of our TD-LTE portfolio to the 1.9GHz bands marks another step forward in Nokia Siemens Networks' commitment to driving the TD-LTE ecosystem by supporting China Mobile's strategy, and at the same time accelerating TD-LTE deployments globally," says Markus Borchert, president at Nokia Siemens Networks Greater China. -"TD-LTE provides a much faster and highly responsive mobile internet experience, offering speeds of up to 112 megabits per second (Mbps) and enabling HD video and immersive interactive gaming on smartphones, tablets and laptops. All these TD-LTE benefits will now be available in the 1.9GHz bands, extending the reach of TD-LTE." -Nokia Siemens will be conducting lab trials of its TD-LTE capability in the 1.9GHz band at its Hangzhou open lab in China, and this offering is expected to be commercially available by 4Q 2012. -By Dominic Chopping; Dow Jones Newswires; +46-8-5451-3093; dominic.chopping@dowjones.com
