T-Mobile Talks 4G Network Modernization Plans

Wireless services provider T-Mobile is en-route to providing its users with better 4G services, and it has just offered some more info on what its plans on the matter involve.

In short, the wireless carrier is planning a series of enhancements to its HSPA+ network, which will be accompanied by the launch of a LTE network next year.

All these improvements are part of the operator’s $4 billion 4G network evolution plan, which was announced about three months ago.

The plan is based on an agreement with Ericsson and Nokia Siemens Networks and includes the modernization of 37,000 cell sites, as well as the move to LTE Release 10-capable equipment.

“Initially, this effort will improve existing voice and data coverage, make our 4G network compatible with a broader range of devices (including the iPhone), and pave the way for long term evolution (LTE) service next year,” Dave Mayo, senior vice president of technology, notes in a blog post.

“With contracts in place, we’re making excellent headway on our network infrastructure transformation. By the end of this month we expect new equipment to be installed at our first 400 modernized GSM / HSPA+ sites and we plan to grow this to over 2,500 sites by the end of July.”

The carrier will also begin tests of the 4G HSPA+ service in the 1900 MHz spectrum, which should enable the owners of unlocked iPhones to connect to its network at much faster speeds.

Some of these users already felt the results of these tests, and more of them will, as the carrier is moving towards introducing 4G HSPA+ service in the 1900 MHz spectrum in more markets around the country before the end of this year.

In 2013, however, the wireless carrier will begin the roll-out of its 4G LTE network, which will use Release-10 equipment. Trials begin this summer, but the actual service will not go online until next year.

Via: T-Mobile Talks 4G Network Modernization Plans