The Galician R begins 4G tests with LTE technology from Alcatel-Lucent

This experience aims to test next-generation entertainment and advanced communication services, such as video on demand, catch up TV and broadband Internet.

The Galician cable operator R y Alcatel-Lucent have begun tests with 4G technology as another step towards next-generation entertainment and advanced communication services, such as video on demand, catch up TV and mobile broadband Internet.

Licensed for 4G in the 2.6 GHz spectrum and with 10Mhz bandwidth, R is analyzing the potential of new technologies to maximize its offer to the customer with this investment. Through Alcatel-Lucent's innovative LTE technology, the Galician operator is testing the suitability of LTE in urban and semi-rural areas, for the provision of services such as business VPN and Internet access, residential fixed wireless access and high connectivity services, such as backhaul over mobile networks.

This project aims to deploy LTE coverage in three areas of Galicia with FDD, and TDD macro cells. In the first results, it has been confirmed that the end user reaches 50 Mbps stable download speeds.

Alcatel-Lucent IP solutions are also being tested for the optimization of infrastructure shared by mobile and business networks.

Arturo Dopico, CEO of R, has assured that "R has always adopted new technologies to offer innovative services with the quality guarantee of fiber. These tests with Alcatel-Lucent show how LTE technology can be used together with other technologies to usher in a wide range of services to homes and public spaces such as hotels and shopping or business centers such as tv everywhere o High-speed Internet, in addition to new communications and entertainment services.”

For his part, Roque Lozano, CEO of Alcatel-Lucent Spain, stated that "Alcatel-Lucent has deep-rooted experience in delivering the latest technological solutions to meet the needs of cable operators around the world. By working closely with R we have been able to see how R technology is viable in the different business models that many service providers are contemplating."