Long Term Evolution, a technology that is expected to become the standard for a wide range of next-generation 4G networks, is being embraced by more and more carriers around the world. One of the latest mobile phone operator to announce LTE tests is Telecom Italia, which has already started ”the world's first pre-commercial LTE (Long Term Evolution) new technology trial.”

According to the wireless carrier, the new trials are conducted in Turin, and the company has selected Huawei as its technology partner for the testing. The new mobile broadband network the duo is testing should deliver data transmission speeds of around 140Mbit/s. According to the mobile phone carrier, the network should offer it the possibility to deliver services like high-definition video conferencing, remote office access, and mobile video chat.

“The journey towards fixed and mobile ultra-broadband takes another step forwards. With leading-edge HSDPA technology deployed right now and LTE in the future, high speed services will become increasingly common on mobile phones and USB modems, offering access to professional services such as video conferencing and remote office access, and personal services such as video gaming and video chat,” Franco Bernabe, CEO of Telecom Italia, commented on the trials.

The wireless carrier has started the testing, as part of its plan to deploy a fourth-generation mobile ultra-broadband network, and the move also shows that Telecom Italia is a technology innovation leader, the company stated. The trials uses 14 new LTE radio stations placed around the center of the city of Turin, which have been integrated into the existing mobile infrastructure. According to the operator, each of the stations can handle three high bandwidth voice/data connections at the same time, while delivering bandwidth in excess of 140Mit/s. Telecom Italia also added that the trial was aimed at enabling it to deliver upgrades to its network so as to keep the pace with next-generation services.