M1 LTE network to go live
SINGAPORE--M1's long-term evolution (LTE) network will be commercially launched tomorrow and target the enterprise sector, with initial coverage focused on the financial district.
In a statement Monday, the Singapore mobile operator announced it will begin offering commercial LTE services this week, making it the first telco to launch such a service in the city-state.
Its dual-band network will operate on the 1.8 Ghz and 2.6 Ghz frequency bands with an initial theoretical download speed of 75Mbps and upload speed of 37.5Mbps, according to M1. By the end of next year, the theoretical download and upload speed will be upgraded to 150 Mbps and 75 Mbps, the operator said. In comparison, M1's current fastest 3G mobile broadband plan lists a download speed of up to 21Mbps and an upload speed of up to 5.76Mbps.
The initial launch will target enterprise customers, with the initial LTE network coverage to focus on major areas within the financial district including Marina Bay, Suntec and Shenton Way, said M1. Full nationwide coverage is expected by the first quarter of 2012, it added.
Customers will be able to access the LTE network through USB modems via their existing mobile broadband plans at S$59.4 (US$47.9) a month. M1 expects more LTE devices to be available this year.
In the region, Phillipino telco Smart Communications in April launched its own LTE network at the island resort of Boracay.