Nokia Intros LTE ModemNokia Intros LTE Modem

Nokia introduced its first Internet modem that is capable of supporting 4G networks using Long-Term Evolution technology.

The world's largest handset maker is a part of a LTE trial initiative that carries out interoperability testing with vendors, and the Internet Modem RD-3 is used in these activities. The modem has interoperability support with GSM/EDGE and WCDMA/HSPA networks, which means it can use existing 3G networks for backup as LTE networks gets deployed.

Nokia's modem will also support multiple LTE bands to accommodate the rollout of operators in multiple countries and regions. The modem is expected to eventually find its way into handsets and other devices as 4G networks get deployed.

The move comes as a potential standards war is brewing regarding the next generation of mobile data networks. AT&T, Verizon Wireless, and multiple wireless carriers in the European Union are committed to LTE because it has a potential to provide up to 100 times the download speed of existing 3G networks. LTE networks are still a few years away though, as Verizon plans to have a nationwide deployment by 2015.

Sprint Nextel, Clearwire, Google, and multiple cable companies are backing WiMax for 4G networks even though it has a lower theoretical downlink speed than LTE. WiMax does have a significant time-to-market advantage though, as Clearwire already has multiple working networks delivering up to 8 Mbps to users on the go.

The world's largest handset maker has thrown its support behind LTE for the next generation of mobile broadband, although it did briefly offer an Internet tablet with WiMax. Nokia quickly dropped WiMax support because the majority of mobile operators have backed LTE, and one Nokia executive even said WiMax will suffer the same fate as Betamax.

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