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Ericsson trials LTE by streaming 4 HD movies
Ericsson yesterday held a media event where the company demonstrated its Long Term Evolution (LTE) network in Fourways, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Ericsson showcased LTE’s technology capabilities by streaming 4 full HD (High Definition) movies in real–time, without interruption.
MTN’s LTE trial, in partnership with Ericsson and other stakeholders is currently underway in Gauteng.
Digital TV Viewing revolution
Speaking to ITNewsAfrica, Lars Lindén, Ericsson Regional Head said the LTE pilot comprises of 52 live pilot sites.
“It is a first of its kind in Africa. The objective is to further develop the MTN 3G mobile broadband network in order to achieve higher speeds,” said Lindén.
“LTE is another part of the future outlook,” said Lindén.
Why is network speed important?
“Users can transmit large volumes of data,” said Lindén.
“LTE is a giant leap. It’s a new technology that enables these high speeds.”
Lindén predicts that by 2020 there will be about 50 billion global connections to mobile devices, machines and other technology gadgets.
Networked Society
“Networked Society is a term used to talk about Ericsson’s vision for the future. On planet Earth, everything that is worthwhile to be connected, will be connected,” said Lindén.
Lindén said LTE could possibly be the 6th industrial revolution. “ Everyone is lining up to take advantage of the ICT boom that is about to happen. It is a mind boggling phenomenon.”
“This will fundamentally change the way we live our lives,” said Lindén.
Africa’s network
Marius van Wyk, Ericsson Head of Radio Access Networks for the Sub Saharan Africa region believes LTE is the next evolution of data technology that allows higher throughput speeds.
“This is an emerging technology – in the next few months it will be available on mobile devices. At the moment dongles are being used to trial the LTE network,” said van Wyk.
Van Wyk said the LTE network is not commercial yet. “The technology is not fully available in the market for end users.”
LTE opportunity for Africa
“There’s so much opportunity in Africa. A real first world experience can be provided anywhere, including rural areas. More people will be permanently connected,” said van Wyk.
“This is another example of how Africa is playing in the world telecommunications stage.”
