Smart Cookies

It has been predicted by many market experts that LTE might be launched in the next year, but concrete signs of an impending launch are yet to be seen. Nevertheless, if recent tests conducted by Telefnica are anything to go by, it seems a rollout cannot be too far away.

Long Term Evolution or LTE as it is better known, is being seen as a revolutionary technology, which will completely alter the mobile broadband scenario. Key features of the technology include a drastic increase in data rates (around 140Mb), a reduced latency to offer a better end-user-experience, and an improved coverage.

Telefnica’s first live 4G LTE tests were conducted at its facility in Madrid, and aimed to understand the future direction of LTE development. The tests mostly included heavy data transfer applications such as video conferencing and large image downloads. With the tests Telefnica, which owns O2, has reasserted its position as one of the leaders in the telecom industry.

The GMSA had recently reported that although over 20 operators worldwide have indicated a potential LTE launch in the next year, any service provider in the UK is yet to do so. However, once the technology enters the market, it is not to expected to take a long time to hit the UK. To keep abreast of these technological advances and all the latest mobile broadband UK news, info, offers and even laptop deals, click here.