21 December 2007
A glimpse into the future of mobile phone handsets has been offered by a trial from the Nokia Siemens Network (NSN).
Long-term evolution (LTE) technology, which analysts anticipate will replace the current top-of-the-range 3G phones, can potentially reach bandwidth speeds of 173 megabits per second (Mbps).
By way of comparison, the quickest mobile phone currently on the market can reach speeds of just over 7Mbps.
NSN, on completing its first trial of LTE, found "proof of concept" for the technology.
Moreover, tests previously carried out on potential next-gen rival Mobile WiMax by other firms have revealed speeds of 70Mbps.
Industry news source ISPreview reports that both LTE and Mobile WiMax might be incorporated into future, "4G", phones.
NSN, reviewing the trial, said in a statement: "LTE…realised data rates of more than 100Mbps over distances of several hundred metres, while maintaining excellent throughput at the edge of typical urban mobile radio cells."
4G technology does not currently have a place on the radio spectrum, although this could change if mobile phone firms bid successfully in spectrum auctions held by Ofcom next year.
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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