Signs of LTE becoming a 4G technology of choice emerge in Japan

It is no wonder that WCDMA carriers like NTT DoCoMo and Softbank in Japan might pick LTE (Long Term Evolution) cellular technology for the upgrade of their current 3G networks. After all, LTE is considered to be a more optimal path for them than alternative 4G technologies, such as WiMAX. As a matter of fact, DoCoMo is already moving into that direction as it just announced the selection of Ericsson for its LTE base station development project. The two companies have a long history. Since 1992, Ericsson has delivered PDC base stations to NTT DoCoMo and, more recently, W-CDMA base stations for the operator's FOMA network. However, there are signs that even carriers from opposite to UMTS camp – CDMA, are hesitant about upgrading from their CDMA EV-DO networks to the Qualcomm’s proposed UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband). CDMA carriers worldwide, Verizon Wireless, Vivo, KFT and SKT in Korea, made a pledge for the WCDMA upgrade path. What’s more interesting is that Japan’s CDMA carrier KDDI also seems to be evaluating its options about 4G. upgrade. According to Jean-Pierre Bienamé, chairman of the UMTS Forum, he senses a change of direction in the KDDI boardroom. “They have frozen development on EV-DO Rev A and are now assessing Rev B and Rev C alongside all the other options, including WiMAX and LTE. The decision criteria will be on cost reduction per bit and it is here where LTE has an advantage,” he said in an interview to Telecommunications Magazine.