LTE TDD is the solution to faster broadband in Africa, says Qiu Heng, Huawei director for wireless network.
According to Heng, LTE TDD and LTE FDD are similar, but Africa can benefit most from LTE TDD because it is cost-effective. He points out that LTE TDD and LTE FDD are equal in technology, eco-systems, shipments and spectrum availability, but TDD spectrum has a much higher potential of value.
He explains the mainstream TDD bands are at 1.9GHz, 2.3GHz, 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz, and total over 700MHz of bandwidth, bringing global LTE roaming within reach. In many African countries, TV spectrum has not been allocated, he says, and studies have shown the large majority of countries on the continent have no technical reason for not using this spectrum.
LTE TDD does not need the same bandwidth for downlink and uplink, and this bandwidth need not be constant, says Heng. In effect, this means more data can be carried on the same amount of spectrum. Most countries in Africa have less than 20% broadband penetration, with the exception of SA and Botswana, notes Heng. This makes LTE deployment all the more crucial.
"Africa needs to move forward and the time is now. Fixed broadband penetration [in Africa] is very low, less than 5%, so there is a market for wireless broadband. To maintain competitiveness, meet customer expectations and drive business success, Africa has to deploy LTE TDD. It is the most readily available and cost-effective solution."
Case studies have proven operator cooperation strengthens LTE success, says Heng. "We can also just look to the rapid global adoption; 44 global networks have confirmed TDD viability." In addition to this, TDD spectrum prices are on average about 20% of FDD spectrum prices, he says. "In the TDD industry, operators who already have TDD spectrum are starting to use it, projects already in progress are accelerating, and mergers and acquisitions are boosting the fast development of TDD."
Heng says Huawei has proven the successful deployment of LTE TDD not only in China, but all over the world and is leading TDD commercialisation. In addition to 14 000 employees and 11 R&D centres that are devoted to wireless technologies, Huawei has more than 4 000 engineers researching and developing LTE TDD full-time.
"Huawei has 60% of overseas market share by commercial carriers and provides 60% of global LTE base stations. 70% of TDD subscribers are under Huawei networks and Huawei has 48 of the 56 global TDD contracts," he says.
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