EDGE is more than three times as efficient as GSM/GPRS in handling packet-switched data. Using EDGE, operators can support 3x more subscribers than GPRS, either by increasing the data rate per subscriber to 300 kbps, according to network & device capabilities, or adding voice capacity. EDGE uses the same TDMA frame structure, logic channel and 200 kHz carrier as GSM; existing cell plans remain intact. No change is needed in the core network. Neither new spectrum nor a new operating licence is needed. EDGE is a mature, mainstream global technology which allows operators to compete, to protect investments/assets, and stimulate growth of mobile multimedia services. Upgrading to EDGE is a natural step for operators to offer high performance mobile data services over GSM.
The performance of EDGE has improved steadily since its introduction in the market in 2003, and today offers users the possibility of data speeds up to 250kbps, with a latency of less than 150ms. This is sufficient for any current data service to be attractive to customers. According to GSA’s latest EDGE Fact Sheet (August 19, 2010 and available as a free download from www.gsacom.com) over 80% of GSM/GPRS operators globally have committed to deploying EDGE in their networks. 531 GSM/EDGE networks are in commercial service in 196 countries, and thousands of EDGE-capable user devices are launched.
A key part of the evolution is the opportunity to deploy more than a single RF carrier. Downlink Dual Carrier (DLDC) is the first step in evolving EDGE, doubling data rates to 592 kbps on existing EDGE-capable networks.
Downlink speed quadrupled:
up to 1.2 Mbps per user initially
(the standard enables up to 1.9 Mbps per user)
• Dual Carrier first phase implementation 10 timeslots per user; standard enables up to 16 timeslots per user
• EGPRS-2 DL (REDHOT) level B maximum 118.4 kbps per timeslot
Uplink speed up to 474 kbps per user
(the standard enables up to 947 kbps per user)
• EGPRS-2 UL (HUGE) level B with maximum 118.4 kbps per timeslot
• Peak implementation today 4 timeslots per user (standard enables up to 8 timeslots per user)
The EGPRS-2 feature is expected in the market in 2012.
More information is available in the GSA Report 'EDGE Evolution' released on Aug 23 2010. Available to download from GSACOM here.
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