T-Mobile gears up for LTE next year, partners with Ericsson for network transformation

We already know that T-Mobile will go for LTE next year. We even got a word that its LTE network might be accompanied by HSPA+ 84.  But the official details are finally coming in. In a press release today, Ericsson, the Swedish telecommunications company, announced that it has been chosen by T-Mobile to work on T-Mo’s $4 billion network transformation with plans to launch its own LTE next year. T-Mobile will be the first wireless carrier in North America to use Ericsson’s AIR technology, which is supposed to be smaller and more power efficient.

“The benefits include simplified site acquisition and reduction of energy consumption by up to 40-45 percent at typical load, compared to alternative site solutions using standard base stations,” the press release said. T-Mobile said that it chose Ericsson’s AIR solution because of its enhanced radio performance and that it is easy to deploy. Ericsson will install the radio, tower and switch room equipment, as well as provide consulting and systems integration and rollout services.

The Swedish company will also provide turnkey services in the areas of installation, commissioning, integration and migration. The T-Mobile-Ericsson is nothing new.  Ericsson has been working with T-Mobile since 2006 when it launched its 3G network nationwide. “T-Mobile continues to be at the forefront of 4G innovation and we’re excited to continue our long-standing partnership with Ericsson as we modernize our network and deploy LTE in 2013,” said T-Mobile chief technology officer Neville Ray.

Gene Ryan Briones
Categories: Cellphones
Tags: ericsson, T-Mobile