Evolved HSPA

HSPA+, or Evolved High-Speed Packet Access, is a technical standard for wireless, broadband telecommunication. HSPA+ was first defined in the technical standard 3GPP release 7.

HSPA+ provides an evolution of High Speed Packet Access and provides data rates up to 84 Megabits per second (Mbit/s) to the mobile device and 22 Mbit/s from the mobile device. Technically these are achieved through the use of a multiple-antenna technique known as MIMO (for “multiple-input and multiple-output”) and higher order modulation (64QAM) or combining multiple cells into one with a technique known as Dual Cell.

The 84 Mbit/s and 22 Mbit/s represent theoretical peak speeds. The actual speed for a user will be lower. In general, HSPA+ offer higher bitrates only in very good radio conditions (very close to cell tower) or if the terminal and network both support either MIMO or Dual cell, which effectively use two parallel transmit channels with different technical implementations.

HSPA+ will support up to 168 Mbit/s theoretical peak rates. This is achieved by using multiple carriers with MultiCell and MIMO together simultaneously. ^[1][2]

The technology also delivers significant battery life improvements and dramatically quicker wake-from-idle time - delivering a true always-on connection. HSPA+ should not be confused with LTE, which uses a new air interface.

Evolved HSPA specifies all-IP architecture

An all-IP architecture is an option within HSPA+. Base stations connect to the network via standard gigabit Ethernet to the ISP's edge routers connected to the internet or other ISP via peering arrangements. This makes the network faster, cheaper to deploy and operate.

However the legacy architecture is still possible with the Evolved HSPA. This 'flat architecture' communicates 'user plane' IP directly from the base station to the GGSN IP router system, using any available link technology. It is defined in 3GPP TR25.999. User IP data bypasses the Radio Network Controller (RNC) and the SGSN of the previous 3GPP UMTS architecture versions. This is a major step towards the 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) flat architecture as defined in the 3GPP standard Rel-8. In essence the flat architecture turns the cellular base station into an IP router. It connects to the Internet with cost effective modern IP link layer technologies like Ethernet, and for user plane data it is not tied to the SONET/SDH infrastructure or T1/E1 lines any more.

Internet HSPA or I-HSPA is Nokia Siemens Networks product implementing Evolved HSPA.^[3]

Deployment

• On 10 June 2008 Australia's Telstra Next G network was the first to enable some features of HSPA+.^[4]

• On 5 December 2008, the first 21 Mbit/s (downlink) and 5.8 Mbit/s (uplink) data link was established on a commercial network (Telstra).^[5]

• On 23 October 2008, the first wireless data devices for the HSPA+ standard were announced. The devices, developed by Sierra Wireless in collaboration with Netcomm,^[6] Telstra, Qualcomm, and Ericsson, offer peak download speeds of 21 Mbit/s over Telstra's Next G network – three times faster than currently available HSPA modems.^[7]

• New Zealand's 2degrees Mobile network has announced it will use HSPA+.^[8]

• Telecom in New Zealand have also announced its use.^[9]

• On 2 December 2008, PCCW, the largest telecommunications company in Hong Kong publicly demonstrated their "PCCW NextGen Network" based on HSPA+ technology. The company will market its new HSPA+ network together with next generation gigabit fiber landline internet service in a bundle, and products are scheduled to be released to the mass market in early 2009.^[10]

• On 8 January 2009, StarHub, a telecommunication provider in Singapore, commenced the upgrade of its mobile broadband network to HSPA+, following a successful live demonstration of its capability to deliver 21 Mbit/s on the downlink. This is 1.5 times higher than its current network capacity of 14.4 Mbit/s. By 2Q-2009, StarHub's mobile broadband network will be HSPA+ ready for commercial rollout nationwide.^[11]

• In June 2009, Telecom Italia Mobile, the biggest Italian provider, plans to cover the city of Milan with HSPA+, with Ericsson as the technological partner.^[12]

• On 17 February 2009, during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, O2 Germany unveiled the start of a HSPA+ trial in Munich, Germany in summer 2009. The friendly user test^{[clarification needed]} should provide 28 Mbit/s on the downlink and 5.76 Mbit/s on the uplink.^[13]

• On 23 March 2009, Austrian mobile operator A1 - mobilkom austria started a commercial HSPA+ Network in Europe.^[14]

• On 30 March 2009, CSL Limited, Hong Kong's leading mobile operator, unveiled the first commercial launch of HSPA+ in Hong Kong, provided up to 21 Mbit/s on the downlink and offers the widest coverage providing unrivaled mobility and performance.^[15]

• On 4 April 2009, Dialog Telekom, one of Sri Lanka's HSPA providers, announced its update to HSPA+ will be completed soon. And now they are implemented a test network in Colombo.

• On 20 May 2009, Cosmote in Greece announced that it started offering HSPA+ speeds up to 21 Mbit/s in parts of its HSPA network in central Athens and Thessaloniki with other areas to be upgraded soon. Cosmote was also the launch market for ZTE's new HSPA+ data card product.^[16]

• On 29 May 2009, Alfa's CEO and chairman announced that Lebanon is going to be among the first countries in the world to launch the HSPA plus technology by the end of the year. This would make the country the first in the Middle East to offer this advanced service.^[17]

• On 4 June 2009, the president of DAVE Wireless, a future wireless provider in Canada, revealed that the company would be deploying a HSPA+ network covering several major cities in the country.^[18]

• On 7 June 2009, Vodafone Greece announced that they are launching 21.6 Mbit/s speeds in the downlink and 5.7 Mbit/s speed in the downlink for the first time (sic) in the Greek market. Those speeds are initially going to be available in Athens and coverage is going to be expanded continuously.^[19]

• On 8 June 2009, E MOBILE, providing HSPA network in Japan, announced that E Mobile starts its upgrading to HSPA+ from early August 2009.^[20]

• On 27 June 2009, Vodafone Portugal launched a HSPA 64QAM service at 21.6 Mbit/s. Two days later Optimus and TMN also launched the same service in Portugal.

• On 28 July 2009, Rogers Wireless announced a national deployment of HSPA+ in Canada for 2009–2010, starting with Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver on September 14.

• On 1 September 2009, Zapp Romania announced a national deployment of HSPA+ in Romania. The service will be available starting October 2009 in major cities.

• On 3 September 2009, Vodafone Romania announced the launch of commercial HSPA+ service in Bucharest area with plans of extending the network in major cities throughout Romania.

• On 4 September 2009, Swiss telecom operator Swisscom announced the launch of commercial HSPA+ service with speeds of up to 28.8 Mbit/s in the Geneva area in October for the start of ITU with plans of extending the network to major cities throughout Switzerland.^[21]

• On September 2009, Mobiltel announced a national deployment of HSPA+ in Sofia area with commercial launch on 17 September and plans of extending the network in major cities throughout Bulgaria.

• On 4 November 2009, SmarTone-Vodafone in Hong Kong announced they have upgraded their 3G network to HSPA+. Offering a theoretical downlink speed of 21 Mbit/s.^[22]

• On 4 & 5 November 2009, Canadian providers Bell Mobility and Telus Mobility respectively launched their HSPA+ networks, running alongside their existing EVDO networks.^[23]

• On 4 November 2009, Indonesia's largest mobile phone operator, Telkomsel launched their HSPA+ service to its post paid customers in the Greater Jakarta area called Next Gen Flash.^[24]

• On 15 November 2009, Telefonica Moviles announced a national deployment of HSPA+ in Spain, Argentina and Venezuela, for launching on 2010.

• On 18 November 2009, Estonias leading mobile operator EMT opened its HSPA+ services to its customers. Network now supports speeds of 21Mbit/s when downloading and 5,76Mbit/s when uploading.

• On November 2009, Cyfrowy Polsat with Sferia and Aero2 in Poland launched their HSPA+ network to its customers. The network uses UMTS850 and UMTS900 bands and is available in all major cities through the country and also in villages located in southern Poland.

• On 1 December 2009, Plus GSM - polish mobile phone operator launched own HSPA+ network in eleven Polish cities.

• On 4 December 2009, Entel PCS chilean mobile phone operator deployed HSPA+ network in the urban areas of 20 main cities.

• On 20 December 2009, Mobitel (Sri Lanka), the mobile arm of Sri Lanka Telecom has announced its successful trial on HSPA+. Mobitel is the 2nd Sri Lankan operator to trial HSPA+ after Dialog Telekom HSPA+ trial deployment in April 2009.

• On 4 January 2010 - Etisalat UAE announced that their 3.5 G network was upgraded to support HSPA+.^[25]

• On 10 January 2010, both Mobily and STC announced their own HSPA+ networks in Saudi Arabia. Coverage focused on major areas in the biggest 3 cities Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah, other areas & cities covered with 3G & GPRS.

• On February 4, 2010, Vodafone Hungary announced its commercial 21 Mbit/s HSPA+ network. The service is available in Budapest.^[26]

• On 10 February 2010, Viva Bahrain announced its 21 Mbit/s HSPA+ network, very few details known about the network and its implementation as Viva Bahrain didn't start its services in Bahrain as of the announcement date.^[27][27]

• On February 2010, Etisalat Misr (Etisalat Egypt) launches its 21 Mbit/s HSPA+ service. No exact details about coverage is published. The higher speed is provided for a (99 EGP ~18US$) extra fee on any of the available packages.^[28]

• On February 2010, Telstra - An Australian Telco Launched the worlds first 42 Mbit/s network in the world.

• On March 2010, Orange - An Austrian Telco Launched the Austrians first 42 Mbit/s network in Vienna Neustadt.

• On 7 April 2010, Mobitel - An Slovenian Telco launched its 21 Mbit/s HSPA+ network. With one third of UMTS stations upgraded.^[29]

• On 15 April 2010, Vodafone Malta announced that they launched 14.4 Mbit/s speeds in the downlink and 2 Mbit/s speed in the uplink for the first time in the Maltese market.^[30]

• BendBroadband, a small nationally recognized US cable operator, became the first production HSPA+ deployment in the United States.^[31] The product has been demonstrated at speeds in excess of 15 Mbit/s down and 6 Mbit/s up.

• Cell C (South Africa) is planning a R5-billion (US$660 million) investment in a HSPA upgrade during 2010. Over 8 cities around South Africa now have fully operational HSPA+ services ^[32]

• Belarus has announced its first network in Belarus will support HSPA+. Download 19 Mbit/s. Minsk, Gomel.

• velcom Belarus announces the commercial launch of 3G on the base of UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+ technology. Download speed 20.6 Mbit/s.^[33]

• On 16 April 2010 Etisalat Egypt started offering 42 Mbit/s "the first in Africa and all the Middle East".^[34]

• On 26 April 2010 Indosat, Indonesian mobile operator launched HSPA+ internet service with downlink speed 42 Mbit/s (claimed the first in Asia) and Uplink speed 11 Mbit/s.^[35]

• On 13 May 2010 3 Ireland, announced that it has switched on the world's first commercial voice and data I-HSPA network.^[36]

• On 25 May 2010 Israel's Pelephone launched their HSPA+ internet service, codenamed "High Speed GSM+" with speeds of 21 Mbit/s (download) and 5.6 Mbit/s (upload).^[37]

• On 2 June 2010, AT&T Mobility announced plans to upgrade to HSPA+ starting later that year, prior to launching 3GPP Long Term Evolution.^[38]

• As of 21 July 2010, T-Mobile USA has deployed HSPA+ with theoretical download speeds of 21 Mbit/s to 50 major metropolitan areas.^[39]

• In the month of July 2010 Vodafone started rolling out HSPA+ in the Netherlands starting in the major cities. They're offering speeds of up to 28Mbit/s down.

• On 16 August 2010, SaskTel activated their new HSPA+ network in Saskatchewan, Canada. Coverage started with major cities and towns and will continue to expand throughout the province, finishing by the end of 2011.^[40]

• On 27 August 2010 Megafon Russia launched their HSPA+ internet service in two cities: Kazan and Naberezhnye Chelny with maximum download speed up to 16Mbit/s

• On 9 September 2010 Vidéotron launched their HSPA+ networks with theoretical download speeds of 21 Mbits in Quebec, Canada.

• On 27 September 2010, U Mobile Malaysia launched their HSPA+ networks at Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur with theoretical download speeds of 42 Mbits using Dual-Carrier HSPA (High-Speed Packet Access) connections.^[41]

• On 11 October 2010, Vodafone Portugal launched their HSPA+ networks in Portugal with theoretical download speeds of 42 Mbits using Dual-Carrier HSPA (High-Speed Packet Access) connections.^[42]

• Croatian operator Tele2 announced that the 21 Mbit/s HSPA+ will be available around the beginning of December 2010

• On 5 November 2010 Tata DoCoMo launched their HSPA+ networks with theoretical download speeds of 21 Mbits in India,^[43] even though most BTS are supported with HSDPA 3.6 Mbit/s.

• On 9 November 2010, Tusmobil Slovenia launched their HSPA+ network with speeds up to 21 Mbit/s.

• On 10 November 2010, Russian Mobile TeleSystems announced plans to introduce HSDPA 14 Mbit/s and HSPA+ 21 Mbit/s services in the Moscow region by Q1 2011.^[44]

• On 15 November 2010 Iusacell Mexico launched their HSPA+ network with speeds up to 21 Mbit/s.

• On 2 December 2010, Si.mobil rolled out their HSPA+ network.

• In December 2010, BSNL started upgrading their entire 3G network in 760 Indian cities from the current HSDPA (7.2 Mbit/s) standards to the HSPA+ standards with minimum speeds of 14.4 Mbit/s and maximum speeds of 21.1 Mbit/s. The entire up-gradation process will be completed by 31 March 2011.^[45]

• On 10 February 2011 Vip Mobile Serbia launched their HSPA+ network with speeds up to 42 Mbit/s.^[46]

• On 21 February 2011 Zain Jordan acquired the license to operate the HSPA+ Network in Jordan. The official launch of the service is planned to be at the beginning of March.

• On 21 March 2011, T-Mobile USA announced their plans to upgrade their HSPA+ network to 42 Mbps in three cities and to 25 by mid-year ^[47]

• On 31 March 2011 MTS Mobility plans to launch their new HSPA+ (shared with Rogers Wireless) network with speeds up to 21Mbit/s, alongside their current CDMA network.^[48]

• In 2009 Telus launched their 4G network with speeds up to 21 Mbit/s, and is launching an upgraded 4G network (a major upgrade for Telus Winnipeg) with speeds up to 42 Mbit/s.^[49]

• On April 16, 2011, Globe Telecom announced its plans to roll out nationwide HSPA+ services to the entire Philippines by late 2012.^[50]

• In April 2011, Three UK began its rollout of 21 Mbit/s HSPA+ Mobile Broadband.^[51][52]

• In May 2011 Etisalat Lanka (PVT) LTD (Owned by Emirates Telecommunication Network) launched 3.75G in Sri Lanka which became the first commercial launch of 3.75G in South Asia. Currently, it has 515 3.75G bases across the country.

• On June 1, 2011, Cincinnati Bell Wireless began the rollout of its HSPA+ network with peak download speeds of up to 21Mbps and peak upload speeds of up to 5.7Mbps.

• In 2011, O2 UK is deploying 21Mbit/s HSPA+ to its existing up to 14.4Mbit/s 3G network.^[53]

• In August 5, 2011, Smart Communications listed several locations in the Philippines with coverage of its HSPA+ network.^[54]

• In August 9, 2011 Claro Panama announced the availability of their HSPA+ network. ^[55]

• On August 12, 2011 Total Access Communication (DTAC) Launched HSPA+ up to 42Mbps Service in Bangkok, Thailand on the 850Mhz band. DTAC plans to continue expand their HSPA+ network with a target of 2000 base stations in 2012 and a further 780 base stations to provide 3G service in a total of 40 provinces.

• On August 30, 2011 True move H launched its HSPA+ network in 16 provinces in Thailand before the end of 2011 and plans to increase the number to 77 provinces in 2012. True move H will be the first HSPA+ Operator that provides a nationwide Thai HSPA+ 42 Mbps network.

• On November 2, 2011, MTC Touch, Zain affiliate in Lebanon, officially launched HSPA+ services in Lebanon. The service is to cover all Lebanese territories by beginning of 2012.

See also

• High Speed Packet Access
• Comparison of wireless data standards
• List of HSPA+ networks

References

1. ^ http://www.ericsson.com/res/thecompany/docs/journal_conference_papers/atsp/multi-carrier_hspa_evolution.pdf
2. ^ http://www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com/sites/default/files/document/HSPA_evolution_white_paper_low_res_141220.pdf
3. ^ Internet High-Speed Packet Access (I-HSPA), Nokia Siemens Networks
4. ^ Ericsson world-first in delivering innovative 3G technology to Telstra - Press Release
5. ^ World's first 21 Mbit/s eHSPA/HSPA+ data "call" made in Australia
6. ^ Moving Beyond Borders^{[dead link]}
7. ^ Sierra Wireless developing world's fastest mobile broadband device for Telstra's Next G network - Press Release
8. ^ 2degrees Mobile choice
9. ^ TUANZ praises Telecom's network investment choice
10. ^ "PCCW Demonstrate HSPA+ enabled NextGen network". http://www.hkheadline.com/digital/digital_content.asp?contid=25462&srctype=p. Retrieved 2008-12-08. 
11. ^ "StarHub HSPA+ Pilot Test". http://www.starhub.com/portal/site/Online/menuitem.935dac8c897c3fb7eaaf3b608324a5a0/?vgnextoid=01ed8bc76c040210VgnVCM100000464114acRCRD. Retrieved 2009-03-31. ^{[dead link]}
12. ^ "Ericsson to deploy 28 Mbit/s mobile broadband speeds in Telecom Italia's network". http://www.ericsson.com/ericsson/press/releases/20090218-1291326.shtml. Retrieved 2009-02-19. 
13. ^ "O2 Germany to trial HSDPA+ at 28 MBit". http://www.theunwired.net/?item=mwc09-live-o2-germany-to-trial-hsdpa-at-28-mbit. Retrieved 2009-02-17. 
14. ^ . http://www.mobilkomaustria.com/de/presse/20090323. ^{[dead link]}
15. ^ "CSL launches NextG - The world's fastest mobile broadband network comes to Hong Kong". http://www.hkcsl.com/en/pdf/2009/Press_releaseV7_Eng_.pdf. Retrieved 2009-03-31. 
16. ^ http://www.cosmote.gr/cosmote/cosmote.portal?locale=el_GR&_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=press_releases&path=%2FSCSDevRepository%2Fcontent%2Fel%2Fsections%2Fpressoffice%2Fpressrelease%2F200509gr.xml&breadcrumbTitle=Η+COSMOTE+πρώτη+στην+ελληνική+αγορά+με+ταχύτητες+έως+21+Mbps+(HSPA%2B)
17. ^ "Lebanon set to launch HSPA+ high-speed internet". http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidDS290509_dsart50/Lebanon%20To%20Launch%20HSPA%20Plus%20High-Speed%20Internet. Retrieved 2009-07-09. 
18. ^ "DAVE Wireless to have speedy network". http://www.itworldcanada.com/a/News/cde51543-1268-4c30-9b7d-8c117e8498e0.html. Retrieved 2009-06-07. 
19. ^ Announcements - Vodafone.gr
20. ^ EMOBILE to Start Japan's First 3.5G/HSPA+ 21Mbps Mobile Data Service from Early AugustMonthly fee starts from 580 yen | EMOBILE Press Release | Company Information | eAccess
21. ^ "Another first for Swisscom's mobile data network". http://www.swisscom.com/NR/rdonlyres/068BB562-2BED-468B-9E62-3063BB36AA8C/0/20090904_MM_Ausbau_mobiles_Datennetz_en.pdf. Retrieved 2010-03-13. 
22. ^ "Smartone-Vodafone press release on their launch of their 21 Mbit/s HSPA+ Network". http://www.smartone-vodafone.com/about/media_centre/press_release/press/2009/11/2009_11_05_310.pdf. Retrieved 2011-10-19. 
23. ^ "Bell's 21Mbps HSPA+ due in Nov.; iPhone imminent?". http://www.electronista.com/articles/09/10/05/bells.early.hspa.launch.official/. Retrieved 2009-10-07. 
24. ^ [1]^{[dead link]}
25. ^ HSPA+ peaks Burj Khalifa's mobile broadband speed to the region's highest
26. ^ HSPA+ launched in Budapest (hungarian)
27. ^ ^{a b} VIVA
28. ^ [2]^{[dead link]}
29. ^ Mobitel vklopil HSPA+ za še hitrejši mobilni internet | Storitve | Mobilna telefonija
30. ^ [3]^{[dead link]}
31. ^ title=BendBroadband Press Statement
32. ^ South Africa's Cell C Plans HSPA Network for 2010
33. ^ velcom - News - velcom announces the commercial launch of 3G on the base of UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+ technology
34. ^ [4]^{[dead link]}
35. ^ Indosat Integrated Portal - Home
36. ^ World's 1st I-HSPA in Ireland | Irish Developer Network ICT Portal
37. ^ פלאפון נלחמת באינטרנט הקווי: תשיק גלישה סלולרית במהירות של 21 מגה - שוק ההון - דה מרקר TheMarker
38. ^ "Mid-Year Mobile Broadband Update". http://www.attinnovationspace.com/2010/06/01/mid-year-mobile-broadband-update/. Retrieved 2010-09-27. 
39. ^ "T-Mobile HSPA+ Network Now Delivers Broadest Reach of 4G Speeds in U.S.". http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20100720007453&newsLang=en. Retrieved 2010-07-21. 
40. ^ "Saskatchewan's Largest and Fastest 3G+ Wireless Network is Here!". http://www.sasktel.com/EndecaUI/controller/_/Tab-4294966321/Ntt-3G-network. Retrieved 2010-08-16. 
41. ^ "U Mobile the first telecommunication service provider in Malaysia to deploy HSPA+ technology to support 42Mbps". http://www.u.com.my/media-room/press-releases/umobile-deploy-hspa-plus-tech-to-support-42mbps. Retrieved 2010-09-27. 
42. ^ "the first telecommunication service provider in Portugal to deploy HSPA+ technology to support 42Mbps". http://www.vodafone.pt/main/A+Vodafone/PT/Press+Releases/pressReleases.htm?id=2392&year=2010&quarter=4. Retrieved 2010-10-11. 
43. ^ "Tata DOCOMO launches 3G services in India". http://www.hindustantimes.com/Tata-DOCOMO-launches-3G-services-in-India/Article1-621835.aspx. Retrieved 2010-11-05. 
44. ^ МТС приступила к модернизации сети в Московском регионе - Москва и Подмосковье
45. ^ BSNL Upgrading there 3G network to HSPA+
46. ^ The first HSPA+ network in Serbia
47. ^ T-Mobile Reveals 42 Mbps HSPA Service, G2x Phone for Spring
48. ^ MTS' new HSPA+ network launching March 31st with iPhone 4
49. ^ Telus' 4G network history
50. ^ Globe Telecom Launches HSPA+ Network in the Philippines
51. ^ Three quietly rolling out HSPA+
52. ^ Three Blog - Moving towards 4G phones
53. ^ O2 Press Release Information
54. ^ Complete List of Smart HSPA+ Locations for Smart Bro Rocket Plug-It
55. ^ Claro Panama announces HSPA

External links

• 3GPP
• Free download of 3GPP standards available at
  • 3GPP Specifications Home Page
  • ETSI GSM UMTS 3GPP Numbering Cross Reference
• HSPA LTE Link Budget Comparison
• Public HSPA Discussion Forum
• Nokia HSPA^{[dead link]}
• EDGE, HSPA & LTE
•  QUALCOMM to Deliver 28 Mbps Mobile Broadband with HSPA+
• Huawei HSPA+^{[dead link]}
• HSPA+ Upgrade in Sri Lanka [5]
• Sri Lanka; Local 28.8 Mbit/s downlink HSPA trial a 'success'[6]