Ericsson will upgrade MTS network to support LTE-U, IoT
Russian mobile operator MTS and Swedish vendor Ericsson have successfully tested a “5G” technology solution, LTE-Unlicensed, by aggregating two frequencies – 10 megahertz in the 1800 MHz spectrum band and 20 megahertz of unlicensed 5 GHz band spectrum – at Wi-Fi access points.
“Aggregation of two networks’ resources – LTE and unlicensed Wi-Fi spectrum – allows for better internet speeds indoors, better coverage and enhanced network quality,” the telco said in a statement.
During the trial, speeds of up to 200 megabits per second were recorded, the Russian operator said. In December, MTS and Ericsson inked an agreement aimed at developing and implementing 5G technologies in Russia.
Both companies also signed an agreement for the supply of software for upgrading MTS’ radio network through 2018, through which the companies will implement “internet of things” solutions for 5G networks and test radio interface Extended Coverage GSM IoT, a technology that enables operation of machine-to-machine devices on existing GSM network platforms.
MTS initially launched commercial LTE services in 2012 and currently offers the technology through spectrum in the 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands.
The telco offers fixed, mobile and broadband services in Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus.
Nokia Technologies collaborates with Finnish universities to develop remote patient monitoring tools
In other EMEA news, Nokia Technologies is collaborating with HUS/Helsinki University Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Helsinki to create innovative solutions for outpatient care and to foster mutual research and development. Under the first project of this collaboration agreement, which is expected to be launched during this quarter, Nokia Technologies and HUS will develop remote patient monitoring solutions.
“I’m excited about our collaboration with HUS as it will help us extend our span of care from everyday health and wellness devices to clinical solutions that help improve patient/physician interaction while informing our continued research and development in the clinical space,” said Cédric Hutchings, VP of digital health at Nokia Technologies.
Last month, Nokia completed the acquisition of Withings for $190 million. Withings sells scales, activity trackers, thermometers, blood pressure monitors, home and baby monitors, and other health-related products that use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to connect to smartphones. The acquisition resulted in the creation of Nokia’s new digital health business unit.
