LTE services are now being offered by 100 operators around the world, according to the most recent estimates from 4G Americas. The deployments span 49 countries, with the most recent being C Spire’s launch in Mississippi yesterday. There are currently more than 340 additional operator commitments to LTE, 4G Americas President Chris Pearson said in the group’s announcement today.
NetMotion Wireless has been acquired by Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. for an undisclosed sum. The Seattle-based company offers a mobile VPN platform and cellular network performance management software. As part of the transaction, Clearlake partner and former Microsoft CIO will serve as chairman of NetMotion’s board of directors. Clearlake founder Behdad Eghbali and Vice President Prashant Mehrotra have also joined NetMotion’s board of directors.
T-Mobile USA will add another smartphone to its Galaxy S lineup on Sept. 19 when it launches the Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G. No details about the device’s specifications were released beyond pricing and availability. The Relay will sell for about $150 after $50 mail-in rebate and new two-year contract, or customers can make a $100 down payment with 20 monthly payments of $20 per month.
Tekelec says T-Mobile is using its Diameter Signaling Router for its LTE network, slated to launch next year. “Tekelec’s Diameter Signaling Router provides us with the network architecture and scalability we require in order to deliver innovative mobile data services that meet the needs of our customers today and in the future,” Abdul Saad, senior vice president of network technology at T-Mobile, said in a statement.
A group of wireless operators, businesses, trade associations and consumer interest groups have begun what they call an “aggressive effort” to get the FCC to make the lower 700 MHz band interoperable. Currently, the band is split into different, incompatible classes, so devices on one portion of the lower 700 MHz can’t work on networks that use another portion of the lower 700 MHz. The Interoperability Alliance’s members include the Competitive Carriers Association and U.S. Cellular, whose LTE network operates in the lower 700 MHz.
