Nortel is the latest telecoms supplier to focus its R&D for next generation mobile systems on 3G long term evolution technology, known as LTE, rather than the rival Wimax technology.    

As the mobile operators look to move to 4G technology, Nortel said it is focusing its main wireless R&D resources on 4G LTE and wireless applications. For Wimax development it will rely on a partnership agreement with Alvarion.

According to Dr. Phil Marshall, v-p Yankee Group: “Operators have realised that they need to get to 4G faster than originally anticipated. Major players such as China Mobile, NTT DoCoMo and Verizon have announced aggressive plans to roll out LTE, which we believe is the tip of the iceberg.”

Some operators have even pushed for a merging of the LTE and Wimax standards.

Richard Lowe, president, Carrier Networks at Nortel, believes there will be increased demand for both Wimax and LT, but he makes a distinction.

“Wimax will provide fast, cost-effective coverage and mobile broadband capabilities for early movers in the wireless broadband market. LTE will provide the high-speed, high-capacity mobile broadband network evolution sought by many established network operators,” said Lowe.

For Wimax, Nortel will work with Alvarion to create an end-to-end Wimax offering based on Alvarion's Wimax access platform with Nortel's all-IP network core technologies.