Wireless carrier SingTel and leading telecoms infrastructure solutions provider Ericsson announced recently the first demonstration of an LTE trial at the operator's headquarters in Singapore, Comcentre. According to the duo, they plan on progressively upgrading during the following 12 to 14 months the mobile broadband network SingTel operates at the moment so that it becomes LTE-ready.

At the same time, the two companies also revealed that they planned on making the commercial deployment of the network in a series of phases, which were subject of availability of frequency spectrum. Moreover, the wireless carrier notes that the roll-out of the network will also be influenced by the commercial launch of LTE mobile devices.

“This trial gives a glimpse into what the future can offer our customers in the mobile broadband space. We are excited by the breakthrough applications that will be supported on an ultra high-speed and robust mobile network that is able to satisfy consumers' growing appetite for bandwidth,” Mr Yuen Kuan Moon, executive vice president of Consumer, SingTel, commented on the announcement.

In addition, he also notes that the LTE technology is expected to greatly enhance the multimedia mobile lifestyle and experience the carrier's users benefit from. As soon as the new network is put in place, customers will benefit from access to a wide range of 3D and HD services, the company notes. Not to mention that the carrier is also working with its partners for the delivery of mobile applications that can benefit from the latest technology advancements.

Mr Fadi Pharaon, president and country manager, Ericsson Singapore & Brunei, said, “Today's demonstration is one clear example of how LTE enables richer lifestyle for consumers and businesses alike. Ericsson is proud to be part of this exciting showcase and we will continue to use our leading technology and services to support SingTel in offering even higher quality services and more extensive applications to their customers.”