ABI Research is predicting80 million LTE connections globally by the end of 2013, including both FD-LTE and TD-LTE. The research firm noted that all three operators in Saudi Arabia recently lit up TD-LTE networks using 2.5 GHz licensed spectrum meant for WiMAX and plan to extend their coverage nationwide. While the Saudi operators have conducted FD-LTE trials for over a year with various vendors, the reason behind the TD-LTE network choice is primarily due to unavailable paired spectrum. They are waiting on the regulator to release new spectrum, since preferred frequency is currently used for military purposes.
“The issue of insufficient spectrum echoes across various markets and is especially evident in developing regions as regulators are a bit slow in reacting to market needs,�? notes Philip Solis, research director, mobile networks. Many operators are looking into the option of spectrum re-farming. While the preferred spectrums are usually 2.6 GHz or 700 MHz, players such as Poland’s Aero2 and Singapore’s MobileOne have successfully deployed FD-LTE on 1.8 GHz, which was slated for 3G usage. Aero2 has deployed TD-LTE on 2.5 GHz band. http://www.abiresearch.com
