The 4G pre-commercial pilot networks in Madrid and Barcelona – based on LTE (Long Term Evolution) mobile broadband technology - will enable Telefónica to test different applications and services that can take advantage of the blazingly fast Internet connections that 4G LTE delivers. The project will also give Telefónica the opportunity to explore the overall performance and cost advantages of the technology.
4G LTE technology provides consumers and businesses with a mobile internet experience comparable to the fastest landline connections, bringing broadband services into peoples’ homes and offices, unlocking a wealth of services like high definition video, streaming music, mobile video games, and high speed access to web services such as social networks - all delivered on the go.
Alcatel-Lucent brings to this project the experience and expertise developed building and launching the world’s largest and most advanced 4G LTE network in the US. This technology will enable Telefónica’s customers to benefit from the same compelling, high-quality experience enjoyed by consumers in the US.
Stephen Carter, President, Europe, Middle East and Africa for Alcatel-Lucent, said: “This project represents an important step forward in Telefónica’s plans to help lead the transition to 4G in Europe, and offer an unmatched mobile broadband experience to the people of Spain. It also opens a new chapter in our relationship with Telefónica, as we join them as a partner on their journey to the next generation of wireless communications.”
For this project Alcatel-Lucent will provide Telefónica with a complete, end-to-end 4G LTE solution – including LTE base stations (eNodeBs), all-IP wireless Evolved Packet Core (EPC), and subscriber data management capabilities based on our IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) portfolio. Alcatel-Lucent also will build, operate and maintain the network on Telefónica’s behalf allowing Telefónica to focus on developing the best service for their customers while taking advantage of Alcatel-Lucent’s world-class operations experience.
The Alcatel-Lucent solution also provides a future evolution path to the company’s breakthrough lightRadio™ product family that will dramatically reduce operating costs, technical complexity and power consumption in mobile broadband networks. Designed to meet the long-term needs of mobile operators seeking to ensure their networks can handle increasing traffic loads, lightRadio radically shrinks and simplifies today’s base stations, promising greener, simpler, lighter networks.
For the pilot, Alcatel-Lucent is also offering to Telefónica the support of the ng Connect Programme, a global initiative that brings together device, application, network and content companies to accelerate the availability of next generation services and applications. Through the ng Connect programme, mobile operators benefit from open innovation, pre-integrated solutions, reduced time to market with 4G LTE-enabled services, and the ability to drive new and non-traditional business models and realize the next generation connected user experience.
Alcatel-Lucent has established a strong global leadership position in 4G LTE having been selected by 15 customers, including two of the world’s largest service providers for commercial deployments, and being involved in over 65+ trials worldwide.