Long Term Evolution (LTE), the leading candidate for providing “4G” services, is the next generation mobile network of choice across the globe. Over 100 operators have stated their intention to upgrade their networks to provide LTE service in the next couple years and Infonetics Research estimates there will be 290 million LTE subscribers by 2015. LTE is driven by the ever-growing demand for a variety of data services that require higher data rates.
In an ideal LTE cell (i.e., sufficient backhaul capacity, perfect antenna configuration and radio conditions, user equipment very close to the base station, etc.) the maximum data rates defined in the standards are over 100Mbps for a maximum configurable bandwidth of 20MHz. The promise of low latency and increased data rates is very enticing as the latest and most exciting mobile data services require higher streaming rates and consistent Quality of Service (QoS).
However, higher data rates are not enough; due to the high cost of spectrum, operators tend to opt for frequency plans that operate in smaller bandwidths—thus achieving good coverage while requiring less spectrum. With the cost of spectrum being high, using “white spaces” for LTE may be a good solution. This paper focuses on the potential use of this unused spectrum for LTE, highlighting the advantages and the challenges involved in using white spaces for LTE networks. READ THE WHITE PAPER FOR FURTHER INSIGHTS:
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