Alcatel-Lucent says it has completed the first long term
evolution (LTE) data call on the 800MHz band, the so-called
“European Digital Dividend” (EDD) spectrum.
The call was completed in October at Alcatel-Lucent’s 4G/LTE
end-to-end solutions center in Stuttgart, Germany, involved
transmitting high-definition video streaming over the air using
Alcatel-Lucent’s commercial infrastructure platforms and prototype
mobile devices.
This first EDD call "marks a milestone for the introduction of LTE
in the European market", said Alcatel-Lucent.
This is a timely demonstration as in Germany a frequency auction
including the 800MHz spectrum band is expected to take place in the
2nd quarter of 2010.
According to Ken Wirth, President of Alcatel-Lucent’s LTE/4G
Solutions: “We adapted our LTE solution to the 800 MHz frequency
band quite early on and we are now working with customers on field
trials.”
The expectation is that by deploying LTE at 800MHz operators will
require fewer sites to cover rural areas, thus reducing overall
environmental impact.
Alcatel-Lucent has live 2.6GHz LTE networks in Stuttgart and Vélizy
in France and its 2.6GHz radio modules are CE marked, clearing the
way for shipment of 2.6GHz LTE base stations in the European
Economic Area (EEA).