LG develops world's first LTE (4G) handset modem chip

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With 3G technology powering most of the first world's mobile phone connectivity, everyone is already looking forward to the next step up. With WiMAX being passed over by most industry players (the struggling Sprint is a noticeable exception), it's looking as though LTE (3GPP Long Term Evolution), also being called 4G, is going to be that much anticipated step forward. With theoretical download speeds of 100Mbps and upload speeds that can peak at a lofty 50Mbps, it's no wonder so many providers and handset manufacturers are jumping on board the LTE bandwagon.

LG Electronics is already on board and in a big way. The company has just demonstrated the world's first LTE handset modem chip in their labs in Korea. During the demonstration, the chip managed to achieve a 60Mbps download speed and an upload speed of 20Mbps. Compare that to the average download speed of 3.6 - 7.2Mbps of today's 3G networks and you can't help but be somewhat impressed.

Now that the connectivity is there, LG insists that the first LTE handset is "on the horizon". Giving consideration to the current rumors that mobile service provider Verizon will begin their LTE rollout as early as 2009, it is easy to assume that we should be hearing more from LG, on this front, sooner rather than later.

#1 Sam Symons Live on 11 Dec 2008 - 19:15

Excellet news...and a damn big speed upgrade.

(3 replies) #2 Sevan on 11 Dec 2008 - 19:24

Imagine that, it's becoming faster then standard Broadband.

#2.1 Anaron on 11 Dec 2008 - 20:02

It sure as hell is faster. I hope that doesn't make it expensive.

#2.2 +Xerxes on 11 Dec 2008 - 20:53

Anaron said,

In Australia that is exactly what it will mean

but of cause we'll probably have to wait years after everyone else to get it first, cause our Telcos will most likely claim we won't need it (like they did with 3G, we were so slow to adopt that)

#2.3 Mikeyx11 on 12 Dec 2008 - 08:49

Xerxes said,

We actually WEREN'T that slow to adpot 3G. The US was behind us in that area as far as I know. Vodafone and Optus are already holding out for an LTE upgrade later on, and Telstra is currently upping their HSPA+ to 21Mbps. So I wouldn't say we are that far behind...

(2 replies) #3 Magallanes on 11 Dec 2008 - 20:40

what's the point?

Currently 3g have limited coverage, not to say 3.5g, also is expensive and many carrier are charging you by Kbyte usage, without counting the carrier/other factor are capping the max speed (from a theoretical 3mbps to a real 600kbps).

I think the current bottleneck are the carriers, not the technology, not at least the technology inside our cellphones.

#3.1 bangbang023 on 11 Dec 2008 - 20:42

3G is the main network backend behind almost every network in Japan and Europe and it's a very large part if the North American setup.

#3.2 QuarterSwede on 12 Dec 2008 - 03:45

bangbang023 said,

at&t's 3G coverage is isolated to mostly cities and is **** poor anywhere else. Verizon's 3G coverage is better but still not great. It covers maybe 35% of the US. Nebraska is only about 1% covered and Alaska has zero coverage.

3G coverage in the US is anything but good.

#4 +Xerxes on 11 Dec 2008 - 20:51

Sounds cool

doesn't China already have a 4G network setup in Beijing? (I recall reading a while ago they planned to build a 4G network for the Olympics that have since past)

(1 reply) #5 RealFduch on 12 Dec 2008 - 00:48

How is this "World's first"?
We already have HTC Max 4G handsets for some weeks in Russia.
http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/11/12/h...sm-wimax-phone/
http://www.betanews.com/article/Russia_bea...hone/1226680341

#5.1 bangbang023 on 12 Dec 2008 - 00:59

That's WiMAX and not LTE. Very very different technologies.

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