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2G/3G in 4G world. Do I have to throw away my old handset?
Posted on 24. Aug, 2010 by just_passing
in LteWorld Forum
Hello,
I was searching a lot and did not get a clear picture of the following.
Is it possible to use my non-LTEi-handset in a pure LTE or 4g network? Of course I do not expect to make use of the new features but is the device even going to be usable or not?
Let me give an example. I am a provider and I decide to throw away all of my old 2G/3G equipment and invest in new LTE-enabled. In that case can my clients continue using their old handsets or are they all rendered useless?
regards,
nik
You do not have to throw away
You do not have to throw away your old 2G/3G handset as long as those networks are in service.
Provider will not throw it's 2G/3G equipment and invest in new LTEi-enabled network..as it already has hugely invested in 2G/3G ..so in summary provider will add LTE network in addition to it ..so existing users can remain using 2G/3G services ..or they can upgrade to LTE and buy new LTE handsets ..LTE handsets may have capability to support 3G and possibly 2G as well ..until IMS is deployed LTE handsets will fallback (called CS fallback) to 3G networks for voice & SMS services.
In any case existing 2G/3G handset can not work on LTE ..handsets are backward compatible not future compatible.
For new LTE providers who do not have 2G, 3G network they may offer LTE only service or LTE & CS Fallback with roaming agreements with other operators with 3G network.