Faster Wireless Speeds On The Horizon As China Mobile Readies TD-LTE

Chinese telecom operator China Mobile will soon launch its TD-LTE mobile phone user tests, and the first batch of TD-LTE devices will be available in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou.

According to the plan, the company will launch TD-LTE procurement in 100 cities in 2013.

Last month, Miao Wei, minister for China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, confirmed for the first time that the ministry will issue 4G license within one year. In addition, Xie Feibo, director for MIIT’s Radio Regulation Bureau, revealed that China’s LTE spectrum planning is expected to launch over the following month.

In response to the news, China Mobile accelerated its 4G network commercial trial. The company started a TD-LTE device tender of 34,700 units and will soon launch user testing. The testing will be divided into two phases: the first phase will cover TD-LTE device testing in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou; while the second phase will start from December 2012 and last until April 2013, covering ten more cities.

During 2012 and 2013, Guangzhou and Shenzhen will actively promote the construction and commercial trials of TD-LTE networks; however, the detailed schedule for service openings and commercial trial applications by consumers has yet to be decided by local operators.

Tang Jianfeng, general manager’s assistant for China Mobile’s device subsidiary, said that China Mobile’s LTE development strategy is to continue to promote TDD/FDD convergence. It will also promote the development of multi-mode multi-frequency devices. Based on established practice, the company will first launch data terminals, followed by voice terminals.