LONDON — A global group of vendors and operators focused on LTE, the fast data rate next generation version of cellular technology, has outlined plans for cross-vendor device to network interoperability testing, setting the stage for global roaming on LTE networks.

The cross-industry collaboration, under the LSTI (LTE SAE Trial Initiative) banner, is developing a phased approach for validating LTE functionality and performing standards based interoperability testing.

In an initial step, a common set of features for LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD) equipment is being defined as the basis for early interoperability tests between devices and infrastructure.

This feature set definition is expected to be complete by the end of 2008 and will be followed by interoperability tests across chipsets, infrastructure equipment and mobile devices from the LSTI member companies.

The group says the interoperability tests will lead to increased industry synergies, consolidated 3GPP specifications, smoother LTE network launches, and improved LTE time to market.

Members of the consortium include a "who is who" of the LTE industry " Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Orange, NXP Semiconductors, Samsung, Nokia, Nokia Siemens Networks, Qualcomm Inc, Nortel, T-Mobile, Vodafone, ZTE, Agilent Technologies Inc., China Mobile, Huawei, LG Electronics, Motorola, NTT DoCoMo, Rohde & Schwarz, Signalion, Telecom Italia, and Telefonica.

The initial device-to network interoperability tests will focus on basic connectivity and high-speed data transmission over LTE networks, including more advanced features such as high quality video.

LSTI plans to begin cross-vendor interoperability testing in 2009, on the basis of 3GPP specifications which are planned for closure in the fourth quarter of 2008. This testing phase follows the LTE proof of concept work that is under way to show what the technology is capable of, including demonstrations of the download speeds needed to support high-bandwidth mobile applications such as high definition video streaming.

Proof of concept work started with the FDD version of LTE and now LSTI is also developing the proof of concept validation for the TDD version of LTE to support various spectrum requirements globally.

Dr. Jinsung Choi, Vice President of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Technology Research Lab, commented: "Having common LTE specifications and achieving widespread interoperability across LTE networks regardless of who designed, built, or operates them will simplify the worldwide adoption of LTE. The network essentially becomes invisible to consumers, making connecting from anywhere in the world as simple as turning on your mobile device."

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