The LTE is expected to replace the 3G in 2012, according to Altair Semiconductor, a designer of chips that network operator.

Roadmap

The Long Term Evolution is seen by many as the future network of wireless because of its interest rates (see "The 4G LTE: 173 Mbps for mobile). Altair has sent his chip FourGee LTE-3100 to its partners. It is one of the first chips of this kind, according to the company announcing that the first modem should use the land in November.

According to the firm, mobile test should arrive in 2010, which means they could be sold in 2011 to the beginning of democratization in 2012. We are amazed by the precision timing of Altair. Companies are generally much vaguer when talking about a new technology as important.

Manufacturers meet the present, what about the operators?

Altair is not alone. Qualcomm is expected to deliver its test chips during the quarter, while Samsung and LG are working on the prototype modem. If the manufacturers seem to be at the rendezvous, he is not sure the phone operators also follow soon.