Nokia Siemens Networks is conducting end-to-end long-term evolution (LTE) interoperability testing with four leading device vendors across several frequency bands required in different regions, including advanced wireless services, 700 MHz and 2100 Mhz.
The tests cover several steps in end-to-end network configuration based on commercial LTE hardware, including the flexi multiradio base station and the evolved packet core, and standard compliant software.
The availability of commercial LTE terminals from multiple vendors and proven interoperability with networks providers is a prerequisite for any operator to launch commercial LTE services.
First deployments for LTE services are foreseen for the end of 2009 with volume rollouts of commercial networks in early 2010.