14 DAY TRIAL // Leading infrastructure provider Nokia Siemens Networks announced today that it managed to conduct the first successful trial of EDGE Evolution Downlink Dual Carrier (DLDC) in the world. The technology is meant to offer service continuity between GSM and the evolving 3G network in China, and the trial was conducted in partnership with one of the leading carriers in the country.
According to Nokia Siemens Networks, the technology is meant to double data speeds on EDGE (Enhanced Data GSM Environment) networks, while also providing GSM networks users with higher data capabilities. In addition, the technology is also expected to increase system resource efficiency so that more users and higher data traffic will be supported by existing GSM networks.
“The success of this trial underlines the tremendous efforts we have put behind GSM evolution, giving us a clear lead over our competitors by at least half a year,” said Prashant Agnihotri, Head of GSM/EDGE Product Management, Radio Access, at Nokia Siemens Networks. “While we are extremely proud of this worldwide technology first, we are more excited with the immediate and significant benefits for our customers. Securing seamless user experience in a country where 3G is in the process of being rolled out enables us to truly support China’s next phase of growth.”
Solutions like Downlink Dual Carrier are said to offer the possibility to create more powerful networks, which will improve an operator’s opportunities to register high revenues from its data services. Not to mention the fact that 3G users should see little changes in their experience when switching into the GSM/EDGE in areas where 3G coverage is missing.
The tests were initially conducted in Nokia Siemens Networks' Beijing development center and then replicated in a Chinese carrier's live network. The company demonstrated that the end user receives a smooth streaming experience from Sina and YouTube websites when the DLDC is activated. The technology is also expected to deliver a positive influence on GSM/LTE spectrum re-farming.