4G rollout in India - What to expect?

The spectrum auctions are the start of LTE becoming a reality. LTE delivers enhanced capacity and data throughput, thus enabling new services requiring higher levels of capability and performance.In India, 3G services are still expanding but the LTE is expected to see a rapid growth.


4G rollout in India - What to expect?
The 3GPP recomended LTE system essentially has FDD and TDD modes.After the introduction of 3G services, Indian consumers have been really demanding, especially for faster mobile internet speeds and improved connectivity. For India, operators are contemplating TD-LTE variant of the LTE standard. Frequency band also plays a crucial role. Multiple frequency/technology options are in the offing.

1. TDD-LTE on 2300 MHz spectrum (auctioned in 2010)

2. FDD-LTE on on 1800 MHz spectrum (auctioned recently)

3. FDD-LTE on 850 MHz spectrum

The operators are split among these bands.Therefore, most likely,  India will see multi-band LTE roll-outs. Now, this requirement is going to be a headache for the handset vendors as it pushes the handset prices through the roof. For example, we know that the new iPhones (launched outside india) does not support the TDD version of LTE technology, but more globally trusted variant, FDD. As a result, the iPhones bought outside india may not support the LTE version in India.

So make sure the handset supports "Indian 4G-LTE"  if you plan to migrate to 4G.

Embedded SIM (e-SIM) to usher next wave of connected devices

News:  "Apple and Samsung are in talks with major network providers to adopt electronic SIM cards for smartphones".

What is this e-Sim they are talking about?

e-SIM : Embedded SIM

The term "e-SIM" relates to a new standard being promoted by the GSMA - the association that represents network operators worldwide.The GSMA Embedded SIM has been proposed to
promote a common global SIM, enabling a the new era of mobile communications. The e-SIM has the same functionality of a normal,removable SIM, but in a different form factor.It resides as a chip, permanently soldered into your cell phones.The information on it will be rewritable by all operators. So, a user can decide to switch operator as and when he wishes so. A new SIM will not be required.The hassle of physical swapping over is also done away with.

Advantages

• Non-Removable SIM cards
• Downloadable operator profiles
• Simpler logistical processes:
• Removes the need for stocking and and shipping of physical  SIM cards.
• Operational flexibility with no compromise on security.
• Lower cost for products

When will it be coming?

The e-SIM will require new hardware. So, we cannot expect to see them in mobile devices (Apple apparently have planned for next iPads) for at least a year. The technical specifications are being formalized.

"Technology can be our best friend, and technology can also be the biggest party pooper of our lives. It interrupts our own story, interrupts our ability to have a thought or a daydream, to imagine something wonderful, because we're too busy bridging the walk from the cafeteria back to the office on the cell phone."

Steven Spielberg

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