“New iPad” vs LTE Roaming
LTE provides an evolution path from various technologies into a single technology that has been agreed by the world to adopt. It is a technology that “unites” the world. So can I bring my LTE handset from where I live, and use it anywhere in the world with LTE coverage?
The “New iPad” (not called “iPad 3″, apparently) is a sign of things to come in the LTE device world. The New iPad comes in two variations: 700+2100MHz for AT&T, and 700MHz for Verizon. Based on a quick research, AT&T works on 3GPP Band 17 (700MHz) and Verizon on Band 13 (also 700MHz). But there is more – worldwide there are commercial networks on 1800MHz (Band 3) and 2600MHz (Band 7), and there are plenty more coming on 1800MHz. To top that off there is TDD variation of LTE which is slowly gaining traction but comes with its own list of frequency bands.
The other recent LTE device announcement: Nokia Lumia 900 in the US, supports LTE Band 17 (700MHz) and Band 4 (1700/2100MHz AWS band).
This is getting complicated. How do roaming users know if his LTE device would work in their country of destination?
What is positive, is these devices are supporting the “older” GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA technologies in multiple frequency bands. In both iPad and Lumia 900 examples, there seem to be sufficient bands supported in both technologies to allow good roaming capabilities in those modes. (surprisingly that the Lumia 900 does not support UMTS/HSPA in 2100MHz – the dominent UMTS/HSPA band)
Both the New iPad and the Lumia 900 are first generation LTE devices, maybe future devices will include more frequency support. Until then, the scope of LTE roaming will be limited. With the number of 1800MHz networks being rolled out, I suspect LTE1800 will be the next frequency band that manufacturers will strive to support.
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Head Coach
March 9, 2012Hum, nice article. But, it explained the problems with LTE in the so called UMTS/HSPA band (aka: AT&T range) But, AT&T is pretty much isolated to the USA and those phone would work in China anyways. Why? Because China Cell uses a TDD-LTE and Clearwire (Sprint) is in the process of installing a TDD-LTE as well.
This means that any Sprint/Clearwire phone can be used in China. Is this a big deal? Well, no. But, if other cell companies start moving towards a TDD-LTE, which will allow user to use different network with the same phone and NOT worry about roaming charges, then where do I sign up?
Ah yes…Sprint!
CommentThomas
March 20, 2012Where do you get the idea that Lumia 900 doesn’t support Band 1 (2100 MHz) for UMTS/HSPA?
CommentIt is quad-band for UMTS on 850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz
Henry Kwong
March 29, 2012Head Coach,
You have hit exactly my point there in my article. There wont just be different access method: LTE-TDD, but also another new groups of frequencies.
Most of the LTE-TDD deployments I have heard of, including that of China Mobile, are in 2.3GHz (band 40). However it seems Clearwire/Sprint will work in 2.5GHz (band 41).
And yes – roaming costs will most certainly affect roaming usages.
CommentHenry Kwong
March 29, 2012Thomas,
The information is obtained from Nokia website. Under “Hardware” section you will see “Operating Band” as per below:
WCDMA Band V 850
WCDMA Band VIII 900
WCDMA Band II 1900
http://www.nokia.com/us-en/products/phone/lumia900/specifications/
Given the URL it could mean the page could be specific for US customers with US variation of the Lumia 900.
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