Alcatel-Lucent announced a new software-defined radio (SDR) module designed to enable mobile operators to run 2G, 3G and Long Term Evolution (LTE) technologies at the same time using the same base-station equipment, a move the vendor said will allow operators to deploy HSPA and LTE on frequencies designed for GSM.
The module, named the MC-TRX, is aimed at operators, many in Europe, keen on deploying 3G services in the refarmed 900MHz band. While the 900MHz band is reserved for GSM, a number of regulators globally are allowing 3G to run in those bands.
In addition, the product can also be used to increase the capacity of GSM in the 900MHz or 1800Mhz band. By creating a software module, Alcatel-Lucent is hoping operators will find it relatively easy to increase mobile broadband capacity because they can change their base stations by changing the software configuration.
For more:
- see this IDG News Service article
- read this Light Reading article
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