'With 4G solutions India operators can do more with less spectrum'

John Hawkins talks about 4G technology and how it can be a game changer for Indian telecom market.

1. What is the main difference between 4G, and LTE technology, as most of the people get confused between them?
LTE or Long-term evolution is a specific standard for 4G technology. Generally marketed as 4G LTE, LTE is an advancement of GSM and UMTS technology. 4G refers to "fourth generation" wireless technologies and is used to refer to mobile WiMax based solutions, LTE (both FDD and TDD) based solutions, and some 3G+ based solutions as well.

2. Do you think 4G technology will prove to be a game changer for Indian telecom market?

The mobile experience offered by 4G networks is qualitatively different for the consumer and businesses and is likely to trigger several cascading effects through the Indian telecom market. As consumers and businesses turn to mobile networks for an expanded set of data services, operators will need to ensure that their networks can keep pace with expanding bandwidth demands. Building a business case for this expanded investment in mobile backhaul will require a change in technology - the economics of continuing TDM build-out will simply not work.

This reality positions Ethernet as a competitive choice for mobile operators. Given its simplicity and high-capacity, Carrier Ethernet can greatly reduce the cost-curve of mobile backhaul investments and supply the bandwidth 4G networks need at a fraction of the cost.

As the uses of backhaul networks expand - through a greater proliferation of fixed mobile convergence in telecom network plans - the role of Ethernet is likely to grow further. The scalability and flexibility of Ethernet means that operators can monetize their backhaul networks in new and creative ways, taking advantage of local market opportunities.

3. 3G services were also started with much fan fair in India but could not met expectation due to scarcity of spectrum do you see the similar thing happening in 4G also?
The spectrum availability issues that plagued 3G deployments in India were both technically and structurally (Government Policy) related. We've seen many of these issues being resolved over the last couple of months. Additionally, 4G technology is significantly more spectrally efficient than 3G. In fact, 4G is more than 3 times more spectrally efficient. In other words, with 4G solutions, India operators can do more with less spectrum. Nevertheless, structural issues around Government policies and 4G licensing will no doubt have a direct impact on the success of the 4G market in India.

4. Is Ciena present in 4G technology in India or abroad? If Yes, in what ways?
Ciena has an extensive portfolio of Packet Networking solutions built upon Carrier Ethernet as defined by the MEF, IEEE and ITU to provide efficient and reliable mobile backhaul infrastructure. In addition, Ciena's Packet Networking solutions are used by more than 150 carriers, wireless service providers, cable operators, government agencies and enterprises worldwide.

 

Ciena is a major player in Carrier Ethernet-based mobile backhaul solutions. Our Packet Networking portfolio is well-suited to the demands of 4G mobile backhaul, delivering high bandwidth at low cost with topology flexibility, high quality, OAM, resilience, and efficient management. Ciena's solutions can deliver 4G networks at a more economical price point than comparable Layer 3 solutions.

5. Are you in talks with any Indian company to provide 4G support?
Ciena has been very successful in the last couple of years as a key infrastructure technology supplier to India's top private Telecom Operators.
We cannot discuss unannounced deals or pending customer discussions, but Ciena gear is already providing backhaul solutions for many of the world's most advanced 4G networks. From Fibertech, to Clearwire, to Sprint, Ciena's Packet Networking offering has proven to be both reliable and cost-effective.