A quick wrap-up of global carrier news.
• SK Telecom has developed and commercialized new technology that makes 2G and 3G services possible through the LTE network. Enhancing the stability of 2G/3G mobile networks, “2G/3G over LTE” uses the LTE network instead of a fixed-line 2G/3G infrastructure. SK Telecom plans to roll out the new technology by 2016.
• China Mobile has already passed its year-end goal of signing up more than 50 million 4G subscribers. China’s state-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission made the announcement today and added that the goal was actually met in October. This is good news for China Mobile which reported a revenue drop last month for the first time since 2009.
• Vodafone is launching a broadband and television service in the United Kingdom. The firm plans to use its wireless business fiber network and BT infrastructure to offer the new service. Vodafone shares soared by more than 5% following the announcement.
• South Africa’s Telkom Mobile is offering residents in Parkview and Parkhurst a free 2-week trial of its new 150 Mbps LTE Advanced network. Potential customers will receive an LTE router and 20GB of data during the trial. Telkom plans to roll out the LTE-A service to 50 cities around South Africa by March.
