The LTE/SAE Trial Initiative heralds a new chapter for the mobile industry with network systems targeted to support mobile broadband peak data rates exceeding 100 Mbps. In line with 3GPP requirements, this next-generation technology aims to provide a mobile broadband service that outperforms both 3GPP Release 6 HSPA, as well as current fixed line DSL data rates while maintaining and extending the highly successful mobility and coverage benefits of 3GPP networks such as GSM. 3GPP LTE/SAE networks are expected to enable lower operating costs for operators as well as higher data-rate, lower latency end-user services, and an improved end-user wireless mobility experience.

To meet these objectives, LTE radio systems are designed to provide both greater levels of radio spectrum efficiency through use of new radio transmission schemes and advanced multi-antenna technologies, and a more flexible utilisation of radio spectrum through support of carrier bandwidths ranging from 1.25 MHz to 20 MHz (subject to 3GPP ratification).

The companies participating in this initiative will collaborate on demonstrating the potential of 3GPP LTE/SAE mobile broadband technologies through a series of joint tests including radio transmission performance tests, early interoperability tests, field tests and full customer trials. Joint activities will commence in May 2007, and are expected to run for a period of 18-24 months.

The joint test results will be used by the participating members in ongoing technology developments and 3GPP LTE standardisation work, and will also help define and validate operator network launch plans. This initiative will also help validate the emerging LTE ecosystem including devices and applications, with a view to enabling commercial deployments in the 2009/2010 timeframe. (Nokia press)