SingTel and Ericsson trialing LTE network

Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) and Ericsson have unveiled their LTE (Long Term Evolution) technology trial showcase at SingTel’s headquarters, Comcentre. The showcase in Singapore is the first among SingTel Group’s regional LTE trials that aims to better understand the field experience of LTE.

SingTel is also the first in the region to successfully power on air the 42Mbps mobile broadband network at the showcase. Even though the 42Mbps network will be available in the second half of the year, SingTel, together with Ericsson, is already featuring even higher speed technology with LTE – supporting very high speed mobile download and upload on the move. Powered by the latest LTE technology, mobile devices can even support multiple high-bandwidth mobile applications. This is not possible with current mobile broadband speeds.

The objective of the LTE trial is to demonstrate the network capability to industry players like application developers, content providers and game producers so that they can start thinking of breakthrough products and services.

SingTel and Ericsson are showcasing a myriad of next-generation, interactive multimedia applications on the move, such as 3D virtual mapping, voice over LTE, high definition (HD) multiplayer online gaming as well as ‘live’ images with augmented reality, which is an engaging way of superimposing digital information or objects onto ‘live’ images.

Mr Yuen Kuan Moon, Executive Vice President of Consumer, SingTel, said: “This trial gives a glimpse into what the future can offer our customers in the mobile broadband space. We are excited by the breakthrough applications that will be supported on an ultra high-speed and robust mobile network that is able to satisfy consumers’ growing appetite for bandwidth.

“LTE technology will further enrich our customers’ multimedia mobile lifestyle and experience, offering them access to a wide range of 3D and HD services concurrently. SingTel is working closely with our pool of mobile applications developers to turn ideas that work on the latest technology into reality.”

Mr Fadi Pharaon, President and Country Manager, Ericsson Singapore & Brunei, said: “Today’s demonstration is one clear example of how LTE enables richer lifestyle for consumers and businesses alike. Ericsson is proud to be part of this exciting showcase and we will continue to use our leading technology and services to support SingTel in offering even higher quality services and more extensive applications to their customers.”

SingTel’s mobile broadband network will be upgraded progressively over the next 12 - 24 months to be LTE-ready. Commercial deployment is slated to take place in phases, subject to the availability of frequency spectrum and commercial LTE mobile devices.