Novatel WIreless recently announced the successful completion of a data transmission call using LTE technology.
Though specifications weren’t revealed, Novatel noted that they are working with operators planning to launch LTE commercial data devices later this year. LTE provides high data rates of up to 100 Mbps on the uplink and 50 Mbps on the downlink.
“We are pleased to achieve these important first data transmission milestones on next-generation technologies last week with dual carrier HSPA+ and now with LTE. We believe our aggressive development efforts will enable us to deliver these innovative solutions with the fastest possible time to market,” said Slim Souissi, Novatel Wireless CTO.
In January, Novatel said it completed a data transmission over dual-carrier HSPA+ using Qualcomm’s MDM8220 chipset. At the time, Novatel said it planned to offer commercial data devices based on the Qualcomm chipset in the second half of this year.
Verizon Wireless expects to launch LTE in 20 to 30 markets nationally later this year and is currently testing ultra high-speed network technology in the Boston and Seattle areas. It is expected that the service will debut with data cards being offered to consumers, however handsets are currently being developed as well. Novatel offers products for global carrier networks and commented that many international carriers plan to overlay LTE on their 3G networks.
