With the advance of wireless communications technology, mobile communications has become more convenient than ever. The 2G, 3G and 4G mobile network infrastructure will eventually become outdated A the introduction of LTE (News - Alert) "Long Term Evolution" nears.

LTE-specific codecs have not yet been defined but work on them is ongoing in 3GPP.  LTE network is expected to improve the basic signal quality, but also to offer new capabilities such as extended audio bandwidth, stereo and multi-channels for voice and higher temporal and spatial resolutions for video.

Tecore Networks, a supplier of multi-technology 2G, 3G and 4G mobile network infrastructure, has announced that it has expanded and upgraded the GSM network of Cordova Wireless, laying the groundwork for a planned transition to LTE.

It is clear that LTE has been developed with very aggressive performance targets in mind. Cordova has applied for a grant from the U.S. Broadband Stimulus program to fund the evolution of the network to the 4G standard.

The multi-technology iCore platform can be upgraded to LTE via software plug-ins, enabling the delivery of next-generation broadband services and applications in a highly scalable manner ideal for rural, remote and specialized operators. This development also highlights that carriers offering 2G networks based on GSM or CDMA may choose to leapfrog to 4G to finally close the digital divide.

Cordova Wireless serves Cordova, Alaska as well as the robust commercial fishing industry on the Copper River. As a seasonal industry, fishing requires a large population of transient workers, who in turn require roaming services with their home cellular networks. In addition, the ability to provide extended coverage over the sea represents a lucrative revenue stream for the carrier. Tecore (News - Alert) has fulfilled these requirements with its iCore platform and FarSite extended-range feature on its all-IP iBSS, which quadruples the standard range of a GSM base station.

A key element of Cordova's strategy was to prepare the network to introduce LTE, for which the carrier submitted a Broadband Stimulus grant application to Rural Utility Service (RUS). Tecore delivered upgrade of the iCore to an all-IP architecture, providing a foundation for LTE via software plug-ins; expansion of the radio access network based on the all-IP iBSS Super-Capacity GSM RAN; a full suite of tailored professional services, including a radio frequency sweep, and accelerated installation timeline due to seasonal weather conditions.

According to Paul Kelly, general manager and CEO, Cordova Wireless, the rural and remote operators have often had to lag the national carriers in delivery of next-generation services, but thanks to Tecore, the company can envision a migration from 2G straight to 4G to be on par.