Qualcomm and Ericsson show off LTE-U technology in China

Spectrum is a long-term investment that requires a great deal of resources not only to purchase but then to deploy for customers through network equipment and mobile devices that support the new bands.

Trade groups are also part of the new coalition, as are Alcatel-Lucent and Qualcomm, which has been heavily involved in the development of technologies that allow LTE phones to access unlicensed spectrum. Evolve believes regulators should reject calls to preemptively pass rules regarding new technologies like LTE-U and LAA, which the group says enhance utilization of unlicensed spectrum by substantially increasing data speeds and improving wireless coverage.

Operating LTE in unlicensed spectrum has been a contentious issue of late, as many say LTE could interere with Wi-Fi operations. In fact, when tested together, Wi-Fi performed the same or even better with LTE-U than Wi-Fi does alone.

“Permission-less innovation” means that new technologies should be encouraged to leverage unlicensed spectrum to drive a competitive mobile marketplace that provides for ubiquitous connectivity in the burgeoning Internet of Things market.

“There will be no harm to Wi-Fi”, said Brenner. Those critics, led by the cable industry, say the technology could clog the spectrum used for Wi-Fi. Likewise, current-generation technologies must accommodate new innovative technologies that also operate in unlicensed spectrum. As in the case of most resources, the more you can muster or harvest, the better. T-Mobile USA had already joined Verizon in support for LTE-U – or at least, did not want the technology stymied by a Wi-Fi Alliance request to the Federal Communications Commission that the government agancy stall LTE-U deployments until further testing could be conducted on co-existence.

EVOLVE members say they support Wi-Fi and understand the important role it plays in meeting consumers’ broadband demands.

Kathleen Grillo, Senior Vice President of Federal Regulatory and Legal Affairs, Verizon, stresses that openness and cooperation will be essential to ultimately serve consumers.

“We’ve looked at the technology very carefully, and we want to make sure and ensure that there is no negative impact on Wi-Fi – but we’re very excited about the innovation that comes along with LTE-U”, said Steve Sharkey, director and chief of engineering and technology policy at T-Mobile US.