Category: 4G Technology

Band 5 (850 MHz) – Operators and UEs

Band 5 is at Frequency bands 824-849 MHz and 869-894 MHz, it’s FDD LTE band 5 and bandwideth at 25 MHz. It’s the refarming of GSM 850MHz and most commonly deployed in North America and Latin America areas.

The 850MHz frequency provides a number of advantages for our customers. Because of the lower frequency (compared to other frequencies used on the Vodafone network), 850MHz is able to better penetrate through obstacles – such as buildings. This improved signal strength means data can be transmitted to a compatible device faster than when there is poor signal strength.

Operators

  1.  Philippines, Smart, 2012.09
  2.  USA, T-mobile
  3. Vodafone Australia

 

 

Smartphones

  1. Apple iPhone 5 A1429, cdma model, announced 2012.09.12
  2. Apple iPhone 5 A1429, gsm model, announced 2012.09.12
  3. Samsung Galaxy Mega i9205, FCC 2013.04.28
  4. Samsung Galaxy S4, announced 2013.03.15 (b5 for US market)

Mobile routers

  1. Modacom URoad-LTE ..2013.02..

CPE

  1. Asiatelco ALR-W130 indoor CPE, ..2012.09..

Tablets

  1. Apple iPad mini A1455 (CDMA/GSM, b1,b3,b5,b13,b25), 2012.10 

 

 

Band 4 AWS(1700/2100MHz) – Operators and UEs

Band 4 (AWS 1700/2100MHz) is used in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Chile. It replaces some of the spectrum formerly allocated to Multipoint Multichannel Distribution Service (MMDS), sometimes referred to as Wireless Cable, which existed from 2150 to 2162 MHz. The AWS band uses microwave frequencies in two segments: from 1710 to 1755 MHz for uplink, and from 2110 to 2155 MHz for downlink. The service is intended to be used by mobile devices such as wireless phones for mobile data, video, and messaging services.

Now, AWS has become “an essential LTE band for LTE roaming support in North America and Latin America, advancing AWS as a solid candidate for one of the essential seven or eight LTE bands deemed critical for global roaming LTE devices and services,” said the Current Analysis report.

 

List of countries / operators with LTE AWS networks or plans:

 

1.      Argentina

2.      Canada , Bell , 2012.10

3.      Canada , Rogers , 2012.10

4.      Canada , Telus  , 2012.10

5.      Chili

6.      Colombia

7.      Mexico, Telcel, 2012.11

8.      Peru

9.      Uruguay

10.   USA, AT&T , 2012.10

11.   USA, MetroPCS (USA)

12.   USA, T-Mobile (USA)

13.   USA, Verizon Wireless (USA)

 

 

 

Below is the list UEs for 4G LTE FDD Band 4 (AWS 1700/2100MHz)

 

 

Smartphones

 

1.      Apple iPhone 5 A1428, 2012.09

2.      HTC One XL, 2012.08

3.      HTC Windows Phone 8, 2012.10

4.      Motorola Droid Razr HD, 2012.09

5.      Motorola Droid Razr MAXX HD, 2012.09

6.      Nokia Lumia 920.2, 2012.09

7.      Pantech Flex, 2012.09

8.      ZTE Anthem 4G, 2012.09

 

 

 

Fixed Routers

 

1.      Netgear MBR1516, b4, 2012.10

2.      ZyXEL LTE5121, b4, b17, 2012.09

 

 

 

USB dongles/Modems/Surfstick

 

  1. 4G LTE Novatel Wireless U679 Turbo Stick / Ovation MC679
  2. HUAWEI E397bu-501
  3. Sierra Wireless Aircard 330U
  4. Sierra Wireless Aircard 313U
  5. LG Adrenaline AD600 4G Modem
  6. BandLuxe C505 4G USB modem

 

 

 

Tablets

 

  1. Apple iPad mini (GSM, b4/17), 2012.10

 

 

 

 

Modules

 

 

1.      Novatel E371,  b17 700 / b4 AWS, approved f.e. by AT&T 2012.10

2.      Sierra Wireless EM7700, b17 700 / b4 AWS, approved f.e. by AT&T 2012.10

3.      Sierra Wireless MC7700, b17 700 / b4 AWS, approved f.e. by AT&T 2012.10

 

 

 

MiFi Hotspot/Mobile 4G Router

 

 

  1. T-Mobile Sonic 2.0 Mobile HotSpot LTE, 2013.03
  2. Sierra Wireless 754S 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot
  3. Sierra Wireless 770s 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot
  4. Sierra Wireless 763s 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot
  5. Bandluxe PR55 4G Pocket Router

 

Band 2 (PCS 1900MHz) Operators and UEs

The band 2 is officially called the PCS (Personal Communication Service) band, and is often referred to as 1900MHz.  The PCS band at FDD LTE 60 MHz(1850-1910 and 1930-1990 MHz) is subdivided into six sub-bands, each of which can be used by a different company in each area.

The main advantage of running a mobile phone system in the PCS band is that there is more available spectrum there, so the licenses are easier and cheaper to obtain. The introduction of the PCS band also helped relieve some of the congestion that the 800MHz Cellular systems were experiencing.

The main disadvantage of PCS systems is that they generally do not have as thorough in-building coverage (and coverage in general) as Cellular (800MHz) systems. There are two causes for this: First, PCS operators have not been in business as long as cellular operators and may not have had enough time to fully build out their networks (build and install base station sites). Additionally, 1900MHz signals have a shorter wavelength than 800MHz signals, which means that they will not travel as far through open air and will not penetrate building materials as well as 800MHz signals do. However, with a properly engineered 1900MHz system (i.e. one with enough base stations placed in good locations), coverage can be as good as or better than 800MHz systems. This PCS coverage catch-up has not occurred yet in many US markets, but most PCS service providers are still actively improving their networks. In some areas, some PCS services can have extremely poor coverage, so buyer beware. However, in other places (usually beginning in larger cities and gradually spreading to smaller cities and rural areas), PCS systems work very well.

Some wireless providers in the USA that use the 1900MHz PCS band in at least part of their network include:

  • Sprint PCS (1900MHz CDMA)
  • T-Mobile (1900MHz GSM)
  • LEAP Wireless/Cricket Communications (1900MHz CDMA)
  • Airlink PCS (1900MHz GSM)
  • AT&T Wireless (1900MHz TDMA, 1900MHz GSM, 800MHz TDMA, and 800MHz GSM)
  • Verizon Wireless (1900MHz CDMA, 800MHz CDMA)
  • And others…

Operators

  1. Dominicana, Tricom, 2013.03
  2. USA, C Spire, tbc
  3. USA, Sprint
  4. Venezuela, Movistar, plans by 2012.09

UE

Motorola Photon 4G LTE, 2012.08

Chipsets:

Qualcomm MSM8960 ..2013.02

Unlocked Rogers LTE Aircard 330U from Sierra Wireless General Review

You may had seen a 4G LTE Modem which support 4G Band 4(1700/2100MHz) or 4G LTE Surfstick which is for 4G FDD Band 7 (2600MHz), but do you know any 4G USB modem that could support them together?

Today, we will recommend a 4G Aircard which could support the 4G LTE FDD Band 4 and Band 7 simultaneously. The model number is Rogers AirCard 330u LTE Rocket Stick. This is the successor of Sierra Wireless AirCard 320u. They are both from Sierra Wireless. The difference between them is that Aircard 330U is capable of LTE FDD Band 7 and Band 4, but AirCard 320U could support band 3 and band 7.

 

The Rogers LTE AirCard 330u looks cool in red color, but it’s unlocked to Rogers network. It means the AirCard 330u could support any operators’ SIM card.

 

 

Just like the brother model AirCard 320u, 330u is in square shape and it’s bigger than AirCard 306 or 308. The USB could rotate for 180 degree. On the front, There is logo of Rogers and one the back, there is printer of “4G LTE” on it. Below the “4G LTE”, we can see the icon of the manufacturer “Sierra Wireless” logo, and the indicator of data transmission.

 

 

Open the back cover, we could see there is a stick indicating the model number “AirCard 330u” and the IMEI number of the 330u. Belie the stick, we can see the SIM card slot and MircroSD card slot. At the side of the SIM card slot, there are two external antenna connectors for MIMO. They are covered by two small cap, user need open the cap and then connect the external antenna.

 

The connector of the external antenna is TS-9 model, so if you want buy external antenna for AirCard, you could check here: http://www.4gltemall.com/external-antenna-for-huawei-4g-lte-usb-modem.html

 

 

After plug the two external antennas, the data link speed would improve obviously. The AirCard 330u is apt for North America 4G LTE networks band 13 and band 7, so it could also roam in Europe or Asia. In conclusion, AirCard is a cool USB modem that will be a good gadget for 4G networks.

ZTE MF91 4G LTE Pocket WiFi Hotspot Test Report

The company ZTE from China has extensive experience in the manufacturing mobile phones; this fact has a positive impact on the shape and ergonomics of the mini router. Since the mobile device and should always be at hand, the shape and size of a mini router should allow to carry in any pocket or bag. Here we get the 4G LTE Mini Router ZTE MF91 Pocket WiFi Router. Let us have a look at this smart 4G LTE Router and how it works.

 

 

When we open the box, we can find these content are included in the package: ZTE MF91, power charger and USB Cable. The router is a standard rectangular box with rounded corners. On the front is a small screen and a single button switch. The user manual is also included.

 

 

To prepare the router to work, you must first insert a SIM-card. Open the back cover, take out the battery. Here we see at once the place for SIM-card, at which point you have to be careful. And put the card in a special tray to move it forward.

 

After the SIM card in the slot, put the battery in. Before you close the back cover of the machine, you must remember to write down the password for the Wi-Fi connection, it is printed on the back cover. Then just press the round button, wait a few seconds and the device is ready for use. This is what we signals appeared on the screen legend – ALTEL 4G.

 

 

Just want to say a few words on the screen, despite its small size (1.44 inches), it is quite informative in addition to network status and signal strength (by the way it’s showing with a symbol and the number of sticks like a conventional phone), the screen displays the status of Wi-Fi, the number of connected devices, and battery level.

 

In the center of the screen, we see the total time of using 4G data, as well as the total amount of data received/transmitted during this session. The device screen is quite bright, the information could be read, even in direct sunlight.

 

 

After switching on the router you just need to enter the password and connect it via Wi-Fi from your tablet, Smartphone or laptop. The manufacturer claims the simultaneous connection of 10 different WiFi devices.

 

The router is equipped with a powerful battery capacity of 2300 mAh, it is quite enough for me on day of use without switching off, and the network I was using for three hours, the rest of the time in standby mode. A full battery charge is approximately 2.5 hours.

 

 

The stated range of the router Wi-Fi signal could be distributed to 10-15 meters, my experience of operating in principle confirms these figures, and in a normal urban 2-room apartment, signal was available at any point. On the street, the range is from 8 m to 16 m, depending on the availability of natural environment.

 

In my opinion, the ZTE MF91 4G LTE Mobile router is very practical and convenient solution for wireless Internet in the format of 4G. Ergonomic shape, small size and relatively low weight (110 g) fully permit to carry with users. It could be easily fit into any pocket, bag or purse. If you want unlocked without any contract, welcome to buy from www.4gltemall.com .

Difference between Samsung GT-B3740 and GT-B3730

Samsung is always leading the trend of networking development. As the partner model of Samsung GT-B3740, the 4G LTE Surfstick Samsung GT-B3730 is not as popular as GT-B3740. Samsung GT-B3730 4G Modem is the company’s first USB-based internet stick from TeliaSonera that offers 4G networks connectivity as well as a backup plan.

 

 

 

Samsung GT-B3740 could support maximum download speed up to 100Mbps download speed and 50mbps upload speed. Samsung GT-B3730 could also do that, the difference between them is Samsung GT-B3740 could work only on 4G LTE FDD 800MHz while Samsung GT-B3730 could only work on 4G LTE FDD 2600MHz. So Samsung GT-B3740 could only work specific areas in Europe, because not all the countries in Europe deployed the band 800MHz. And GT-B3730 is also the same; it has to work conditionally on only LTE FDD 2600MHz.

 

 

 

Samsung GT-B3730 seems more powerful in application because it could not only work with 4G network, it could also work on 3G UMTS 2100MHz and 2G GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks. So if there is unlocked Samsung GT-B3730, users could use in every countries in Europe. Under 3G network, Samsung GT-B3730 could support maximum download speed up to 17Mbps and upload speed up to 5.76Mbps.

 

 

Samsung GT-B3740 and GT-B3730 both have dual external antenna connector, with external antenna, users could get more stable network connection and better signal strength, but we didn’t get any official information for the connector type.

 

Samsung GT-B3740 is in compact USB design but GT-B3730 is in rotatable USB design. GT-B3740 is used for Vodafone 4G LTE networks in Germany, but GT-B3730 is for Sweden operator TeliaSonera. TeliaSonera has nationwide 4G licenses in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. So if you don’t have specific requirement, Samsung GT-3730 is good for personal use.