Initiated in 2004, LTE’s targets were to have average user throughput of 3-4 times the Release 6 HSDPA levels in the Downlink (100Mbps), and 2-3 times the HSUPA levels in the Uplink (50Mbps). Also, the goals for LTE include, improving spectral efficiency, lowering costs, improving services, making use of new spectrum and reframed spectrum opportunities, and better integration with other standards.

E-UTRA/OFDMA, IP and IMS
LTE uses the Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) air interface, which is based on OFDMA and is more evolved than the TDMA used in GSM and the CDMA used in GSM/UMTS and CDMA2000.
In addition, rather than proprietary packet structures, LTE is based entirely on IP packets, and voice travels over IP (VoIP). The IP part of LTE is called “Evolved Packet System” (EPS), which was previously called “System Architecture Evolution” (SAE).
The IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), which provides an integrated framework for all telecommunications based on IP, is also integrated into LTE.

Advantages
The main advantages with LTE are high throughput, low latency, plug and play, FDD (Frequency Division Duplex) and TDD (Time Division Duplex) in the same platform, improved end-user experience and simple architecture resulting in low Operating Expenditures (OPEX). LTE will also support seamless connection to existing networks, such as GSM, CDMA and WCDMA.
LTE will also appear in a number of different spectrum bands around the world including the 2.6 GHz band which is perfect as a capacity band since operators are able to secure up to 2×20 MHz of spectrum. LTE also will appear in the reframed GSM bands in the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands, providing superior coverage and global roaming in the rest of 3GPP market.

Technology Demos
• In September 2006, Siemens Networks showed in collaboration with Nomor Research the first live emulation of a LTE network to the media and investors.
• In February 2007, Ericsson presented for the first time in the world LTE with bit rates up to 144 Mbit/s.
• In September 2007, NTT docomo demonstrated LTE data rates of 200 Mbit/s with power consumption below 100mW during the test.
• In December 2007,  Nokia Siemens Network announces that in a trial of the Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless data network, they have achieved data speeds up to 173 megabits per second (Mbps).
• In April 2008 Ericsson presented its M700 mobile platform, the world’s first commercially available LTE-capable platform, with peak data rates of up to 100 Mbit/s in the downlink and up to 50 Mbit/s in the uplink. The platform can be used to produce data devices such as laptop modems, Expresscards and USB modems for notebooks, as well other small-form modems suitable for consumer electronic devices. Commercial release is set for 2009, with products based on the platform expected in 2010.

Carrier adoption
Various carriers supporting GSM or HSUPA networks like Rogers Wireless, AT&T, TeliaSonera, T-Mobile, Vodafone, France Telecom and Telecom Italia Mobile have also announced or talked publicly about their commitment to LTE and can be expected to upgrade their networks to LTE at some stage in near future.

Verizon Wireless is presently testing its LTE network and selects Ericsson and Alcatel-Lucent as Primary Network Vendors for LTE Network. Also, with part-owner Vodafone it plans to conduct field trials of LTE this year.

MetroPCS, Telus Mobility, China Telecom/Unicom and Japan’s KDDI have announced they have chosen LTE as their 4G network technology.
Earlier this year, TeliaSonera signed contracts with Huawei, for world’s first commercial LTE network construction. After the deal, Huawei will provide an end-to-end LTE solution including LTE base stations, core network and OSS (Operating Support System). It also provides services including network design, implementation, systems integration and support. TeliaSonera also joins hand with Ericsson for a commercial LTE network.