Together with T-Mobile, Nokia Networks is developing a pre-standards License Assisted access (LAA) (also referred to as LTE-U) solution that will allow the wireless provider to be an early adopter of this innovative technology that can boost the capacity of its LTE network. LAA is planned for 3GPP industry standardization in mid-2016. Nokia Networks plans to integrate LAA capabilities into its small cell portfolio at the end of 2015. With LAA, users will benefit from the additional capacity available from the unlicensed spectrum, particularly in hotspots and indoor locations. Carrier aggregation between LTE in licensed and unlicensed spectrum provides customers guaranteed service quality and boosts overall performance where needed.
According to Nokia Networks, the 5 GHz frequency band, typically used for Wi-Fi today, can uniquely complement licensed LTE bands, and LTE can provide better spectrum efficiency than current technologies on that band. Additionally, LAA brings all of LTE's efficiencies and seamless mobility to the unlicensed band while ensuring smooth co-existence with Wi-Fi services.
The capabilities of LAA will be demonstrated by Nokia Networks at the upcoming Mobile World Congress using its Nokia Flexi Zone small cells technology. A prototype will show LAA live to demonstrate its features and ability to co-exist in a single box with a licensed LTE small cell solution.
