Telstra tests LTE in 1800 MHz band

Existing spectrum assets may complement those to be released.

Telstra has tested Long Term Evolution (LTE) kit from Chinese vendor Huawei in a spectrum band it currently uses for 2G services.

The tests are part of a three-vendor trial being run by the telco.

Nokia-Siemens Networks reported results of their trials with Telstra last month. Telstra is also expected to test Ericsson kit.

The Huawei kit tests occurred on 1800 MHz spectrum, which Huawei expected "will complement 2600 MHz spectrum and the 700 MHz band anticipated to be made available through the digital dividend."

The 700 MHz and 2600 MHz bands have been earmarked by carriers globally for LTE deployments.

"Our trials with Huawei are giving us valuable insights into the potential of LTE technology at 1800 MHz and helping Telstra understand how we can make best use of both existing and possible future spectrum assets to continue to deliver a world class mobile broadband service," Telstra's chief operations officer Michael Rocca said in a statement.

Telstra has been freed to participate in LTE spectrum auctions in Australia after coming to a deal with NBN Co last month.