A total of 72 operators have launched commercial LTE services around the world, according to an update to the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA)’s Evolution to LTE report. These include 25 networks launched so far in 2012. Fifty-two commercial LTE services were launched by operators in the past 12 months. Few of them are placed in the Latin America region.
Latin American countries such as Brazil, Chile, and Colombia are conducting auctions (check all of them here) in order to advance LTE in the coming years. The expectation is that several LTE networks will be deployed in these countries by 2014.
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GSA also released an update detailing telecom operators’ LTE activities. The full list is below.
Worldwide, GSA believes that LTE will enter the mainstream in 2012 since, globally, 319 operators have committed to commercial LTE network deployments or are engaged in trials, technology testing, or studies. The report covers LTE FDD and LTE TDD system modes. The GSA forecast for the end of 2012 is that 134 networks will operate in 57 countries.
RCR Wireless News is preparing a feature report about the LTE roll out in Latin America with carriers’, vendors’, government officials’, and analysts’ perspectives about LTE challenges and opportunities across the region.
Latin American LTE update
Argentina
- Telefonica completed lab trials of LTE in March 2010, achieving a peak DL data speed of 95 Mbps. A field trial undertaken mid-November to mid-December 2010 in Buenos Aires was claimed to be the first in the AWS spectrum in Central and South America.
- Personal tested LTE in Puerto Madero (June 2010) and in December 2010 announced a trial in Cordoba.
Bahamas
- BTC is deploying a commercial LTE network as an addition to its GSM/EDGE and HSPA network.
Belize
- BTL (DigiCell) is deploying an LTE network upgrade.
Bolivia
- Entel Movil is trialling LTE in La Paz.
Brazil
- Sky Brasil commercially launched LTE TDD services (2.6 GHz – Band 38) on December 13, 2011 in Brasilia. More cities will be covered in 2012.
- Oi has been trialling LTE trial since mid-June 2011 together with four system vendors for tests in laboratory conditions and live networks in various cities. Testing is reported to include using the 1800 MHz spectrum. The company has confirmed it may deploy LTE1800 subject to the conditions of the upcoming 2.6 GHz spectrum auction.
- TIM Brasil has stressed the importance of an early release of 700 MHz for LTE. Vivo has been trialling LTE and plans to deploy a commercial network. Claro has been testing LTE in 2.6 GHz since Q4 2011.
- The Sao Paulo military police force is testing LTE in 700 MHz and is trialling with five base stations.
- The Brazil Army is testing LTE in 700MHz for public security solutions. The network was installed in September 2011 at two sites in Brasilia covering Esplanada dos Ministérios, Communications Center, and the Army Electronic Warfare (CCOMGEX).
- Independent technology institution CPqD has tested LTE in the 450 MHz band, which was reported to have taken place in Campinas with an official attending from the Ministry of Communications. Tests were also made in 2.6 GHz spectrum.
- Algar Telecom (CTBC) is conducting LTE trials in 850 MHz and 1800 MHz. Regulatory approval is needed for commercial services in these frequencies.
Chile
- Entel PCS completed an LTE trial at the Universidad de Chile.
- Movistar has publicly demonstrated LTE.
- Claro has also been trialling LTE.
Colombia
- Une-EPM is deploying an LTE2600 network. The first base station was activated on November 28, 2011 and the network is now in the test phase in Bogotá and Medellín. A commercial service launch is scheduled in 2H 2012. UNE has not yet set LTE service prices.
Costa Rica
- Claro & ICE are considering deploying LTE in 2012.
Dominican Republic
- Orange Dominicana has trialled LTE since April 2011.
Jamaica
- Digicel is reported to be deploying an LTE system.
Mexico
- Telefónica and Telcel have conducted tests of LTE. Telcel is preparing for a commercial launch for consumers during April 2012. Telefónica plans to launch LTE by 2013.
Panama
- Cable and Wireless Panama is planning to deploy an LTE network and has identified a network partner.
Paraguay
- Vox (Copaco) plans to deploy a commercial LTE network, targeting a launch by August 2012.
Peru
- Telefonica Movistar has been trialling LTE.
Puerto Rico
- AT&T Puerto Rico launched commercial LTE services in 700 MHz on November 20, 2011, in San Juan and continues to expand coverage.
- Claro launched its LTE network in 700 MHz on Nov 24, 2011.
- CDMA operator Open Mobile launched its 700 MHz commercial LTE service on April 19, 2012.
Uruguay
- Antel launched commercial LTE services on December 13, 3011 in the AWS spectrum in Montevideo and Punta del Este. Antel has requested access to 700 MHz for LTE and awaits the regulator’s decision.
- According to press reports, Claro and Movistar have expressed interest in bidding for new spectrum for LTE.
- Wireless broadband company Dedicado is planning to invest US$ 5 million in the deployment of a “4Motion” network using WiMAX and LTE in 3.5 GHz.
