the way we see it
Long Term Evolution
LTE Opportunities and Challenges for Telcos
Telecom & Media Insights Issue 58 sdtkla westkjlal
Long Term Evolution
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Contents
1 Abstract 1
2
The Need for LTE
2
3
Technology Options for Operators – – FDD LTE TDD LTE (TD-LTE)
5 6 6
4
Challenges in LTE Implementation – – – – Technical Challenges Regulatory Challenge Ecosystem Related Challenges Return on Investment (ROI)
8 8 9 10 11
5
Next Steps for Telcos – – – – Customer Proposition Rollout Strategy Cost Savings Spectrum Policy
12 12 13 13 14
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Telecom, Media & Entertainment
the way we see it
1 Abstract
The mobile networks of most operators are witnessing an unprecedented rise in data traffic, due to an increasing consumer demand to access bandwidth intensive content on-the-go and the proliferation of a large number of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. This trend is exerting extremely high pressure on the capacity constrained network of operators. Faced with this challenge, wireless providers need to upgrade their network infrastructure in order to keep up with data traffic volumes and deliver bits more cost-effectively. When compared to some other upgrade options such as HSPA1, HSPA+, and WiMAX2, Long Term Evolution (LTE) provides operators with a technically superior and cost effective solution to deliver true mobile broadband experience. Although LTE standards and the ecosystem have not yet evolved fully and an upgrade requires significant capital investment, operators can still reap tremendous benefit by formulating the right migration strategy. A focus on key priorities such as pricing, rollout strategy, network sharing, and spectrum policy will be instrumental in the successful rollout of LTE. Having realized its potential, several operators across the globe have already deployed LTE commercially and many more are in the fray.
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