November 26, 2010, 7:45 AM — Hong Kong-based network operator CSL has become the first to offer mobile broadband using both LTE and the latest version of HSPA, it said in a joint statement with network vendor ZTE on Thursday.
Besides fast data access, the combination of the two technologies will offer subscribers 3DTV, interactive gaming and e-learning applications, according to the statement.
Alongside the LTE (Long-Term Evolution) network, CSL is using another technology called DC-HSPA+ (Dual-Channel High-Speed Packet Access). The point of using both is to provide subscribers the fastest possible connection when there is no LTE coverage.
DC-HSPA+, also known as Dual-Cell HSPA+, sends or receives wireless data using two channels simultaneously at theoretical speeds of up to 42M bps, double the speed possible with HSPA+.
Due to a lack of available modems, CSL will at first offer only corporate services on the two networks, but it plans to introduce services for consumers in the first quarter of 2011, when more devices start entering in the market.
CSL is owned by Australian operator Telstra, which has positioned itself as one the most aggressive when it comes to launching new technologies. In August, Telstra became the first operator to launch a DC-HSPA+ network. Users should expect typical real-world download speeds ranging from 1.1Mbps to 20Mbps, the operator said at the time.
Other operators that have similar plans: Telenor in Sweden is rolling out LTE with modems that, via a software update, will be able to handle data at up to 42M bps, according to a spokesman.
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