FAQs

Does LTE Support Voice Calls?

2010-07-07T22:05:00Z

Yes. There are a number of proposals for LTE voice. They include Circuit Switched (CS) Fallback, Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC), and the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). The key stage 2 specs that discuss these topics are 23.272 for CS Fallback, 23.207 for SRVCC, and 23.228 for IMS. A video discussing these options can be found at http://www.lteuniversity.com/media/p/7736.aspx.

How can LTE improve my wireless experience?

2009-02-19T15:51:00Z

The much higher data rates available to consumers in LTE can bring a change in the way these devices are used today. Imagine the possibility of carrying a high speed 'access-point' like your home cable modem/wireless router anywhere with you! But the benefits of LTE are not just about higher bit rates. A unified approach to providing services will result in easier access to a large variety of services, anywhere and anytime.

Why should I care about LTE?

2009-02-18T19:37:00Z

LTE has the potential to completely reshape the wireless mobile landscape. LTE is the enabler for future services that have not been dreamed up yet!

How much data rate will I get?

2009-02-18T19:37:00Z

The maximum bitrates for LTE are going to be in the range of several 100 Mbps, that is a factor of 100 greater than what can be done today with the previous generation of cellular wireless systems. The realistic bit rates will depend on many factors such as the number of users in a cell, and the radio conditions at any given moments

Will I be able to use my old mobile device when LTE is launched?

2009-02-18T19:35:00Z

Yes , you most definitely will be able to do that. It is inconceivable that carriers will entirely dismantle 2G/3G networks in the near future. Depending on the subscription plan, the carrier can still offer basic services which can be used with an LTE SIM card in an older type of phone.

What can I do with an LTE device that I can't do already with my 3G phone?

2009-02-18T19:35:00Z

In principle everything that a 3G phone can do today can be done with an LTE handset but at a much higher bitrate. One difficulty with existing 3G networks is the limitation in mobile to network data rates (the uplink). Uplink in LTE will be at least as fast as the downlink (network to mobile) is today in 3G networks. Watching high-quality real-time video is another possibility with LTE.

Can I use an LTE device with my hearing aid?

2009-02-18T19:34:00Z

Handheld devices will be tested and rated for compatibility with hearing aids and other medical electronics.

Will an LTE tower radiate more energy into my home?

2009-02-18T19:33:00Z

Not necessarily. The nominal output power of an LTE base station is equal to the existing 2G/3G versions. The amount of received power depends very strongly on the distance between your location and the site. FCC has stringent requirements about the maximum output power on devices and base stations.

Will an LTE handset radiate more energy into my head?

2009-02-18T19:32:00Z

No. The nominal maximum output power of LTE handsets is equal to the existing 2G/3G phones on the market. The higher data rates are not achieved by virtue of higher powered devices!

I'm a business user, how does LTE simplify my job?

2009-02-18T19:31:00Z

LTE can be seen as a very capable, high-speed bearer for IP based services. Sending e-mails from your device with large attachments should be as fast as, or comparable to a typical Ethernet connection. The IP based nature of LTE will result in ever more efficient use of the IP Multimedia System (IMS) as a service platform. In such an environment, you only need to remember one internet-like address for any type of communication such as fax, email, voice, video telephony, etc.