It’s not just the major carriers that are ramping up the next generation of mobile broadband, as Cellular South has just detailed its plans for a 4G network based on Long-Term Evolution technology.
Cellular South will be teaming with Samsung Mobile to build out its infrastructure and we can expect two Samsung 4Gdevices in the fourth quarter of 2011. This 4G network will also launch around this time and will use voice-over LTE in the 700 MHz spectrum.
The first devices should be dual-mode phones which can work on the 4G LTE network and the EV-DO 3G network that Cellular South currently operates.
“Our move to 4G is driven by our vision of creating an unmatched experience and enabling our customers to experience pervasive wireless Internet connectivity and mobility,” said Hu Meena, president and CEO of Cellular South, in a prepared statement. “Cellular South is pleased to partner with Samsung Mobile on an LTE solution that uses our entire spectrum in the lower 700 MHz band. This network will deliver a first-class LTE experience to our customers who want the freedom to access content and services and to communicate in new and innovative ways, whether it’s viewing video, browsing the mobile web, listening to their favorite music, gaming or social media.”
Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T have pretty much laid out its 4G plans and rollouts are already happneing or will soon. It’s interesting to see a smaller carrier like Cellular South also roll out 4G LTE networks, as well as build its own infrastructure.
MetroPCS is also building out its own 4G network and it brought the first LTE handset out in the United States with the Samsung Craft. MetroPCS has yet to land a smartphone with LTE capabilities but it may just be a matter of time.
[Via Cellular South]