Sequans Communications SA, a Paris-based 4G chipmaker, introduced three new FDD and TDD LTE baseband chips, a companion RF chip and two new LTE platforms, supporting all global FDD and TDD LTE networks.
The new baseband chips, along with RF chips, reference designs and comprehensive software, compose one of two platforms Sequans has designed to support two distinct market segments. The first platform, Andromedia, is customized for the design of handsets and tablets, and the second, Mont Blanc, is customized for the design of mobile hot spots, USB dongles and CPE modems, the company said.
“We are pleased and proud to offer pleased to offer these powerful yet highly energy- and cost-efficient LTE platforms to our global customers,” Sequans CEO Georges Karam said. “These platforms are based on our second-generation LTE technology, incorporating the latest advances in LTE semiconductor science and reflecting our many years of experience in 4G, working with operators and manufacturers all over the world.”
Focus on India
The company also announced that Telenet Systems, a Mumbai-based designer and manufacturer of communications products, will build TD-LTE USB dongles and desktop CPE based on Sequans’ new generation LTE semiconductor solutions. The new devices will be used in TD-LTE operator trials and commercial deployments coming soon in India, the company said.
While speaking about the 4G trials and deployment in India, Venkatesan Balakrishnan, the country manager of Sequans, said the service providers are really working based on very aggressive timelines. They want to launch it in 2012.
“The work has started long back. The devices are being tested and the infrastructure is also being upgraded to meet the 4G requirements,” Balakrishnan told RCR Wireless News.
With India projected to be the second largest TD-LTE market and a projected user base of 25 million by 2016, Sequans has already been selected for two commercial TD-LTE deployments.
The company already has a long history of providing WiMAX technology operating in networks of BSNL and Tata.
