Most mobile phones use 3G networks, such as GSM and CDMA, but LTE is a newer technology that promises faster speeds and lower costs. LTE can work with both GSM and CDMA networks and will allow for faster existing applications and new ones. However, there may be start-up costs for service providers and consumers for equipment upgrades. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is the industry group providing LTE network standards, and the Voice over LTE via Generic Access (VoLGA) forum aims to expand LTE access technology to support voice messaging and SMS using existing networks.
As of mid-2009, most broadband mobile phones were operating on third generation (3G) mobile technology networks. These networks include the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). A newer technology, Long Term Evolution (LTE), could enhance and eventually replace these older networks. LTE access promises faster speeds for mobile wireless users and lower costs and higher capacity for network providers.
CDMA is prevalent in the US; however, over 80% of the world’s cell phones operate on GSM networks as of September 22, 2008. Both CDMA and GSM continue to grow. Verizon Wireless® and Sprint® use CDMA, while AT&T®, a distributor of Apple® iPhone in the United States, uses the GSM standard.
LTE is being developed to allow wireless providers using both types of networks to switch from 3G technology to fourth generation (4G) networks and equipment. For consumers, LTE will enable existing applications to run faster, as well as make new applications available for mobile phones. This may include advanced mobile phone applications with videos and slideshows.
LTE uses radio waves to allow more data to be transferred over the same bandwidth used by 3G equipment. As a result, service providers should be able to transfer more data from their existing cells and possibly reduce the cost of running their networks. Because LTE connects to existing networks, providers can plan for a seamless transition, then continue to use legacy CDMA and GSM networks as a backup.
How LTE achieves its speed could lead to a downside: start-up costs for service providers and consumers for equipment upgrades. LTE has adopted multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology. As a result, cellular base stations may need additional transmit and receive antennas. Cellular phones can have one transmitting antenna and up to two receiving antennas. Service providers may need to upgrade base stations and consumers will need to purchase new handsets to use these upgraded networks.
The industry group providing LTE network standards is the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). LTE was initially developed for data transfer. Mobile phone vendors and industry leaders from equipment manufacturers united in early 2009 to create the Voice over LTE via Generic Access (VoLGA) forum. VoLGA is dedicated to expanding LTE access technology so that it can also support voice messaging and SMS (Short Message Service) using existing networks. The goal of this forum is to enable wireless broadband providers to transition to this new technology without rebuilding their entire networks from scratch.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
