TDD spectrum is now extremely valuable to mobile operators. Chinese vendor Huawei predicts that 70 per cent of TDD networks will be deployed as extension networks by FDD operators. The TDD-FDD device ecosystem is quickly maturing, and Huawei is due to deliver FDD-TDD LTE smartphones to Softbank by August 2012.
Softbank unit Wireless City Planning, which already operates a personal handy-phone system (PHS), is aiming to commercially launch its Advanced eXtended Global Platform (AXGP), network in February 2012 using a of 20MHz channel of TDD spectrum.
Mobile operators should try to have TDD spectrum in reserve for future data requirements wherever possible.
China Mobile is expected to launch its TD-LTE network in 1H13, while TD-LTE is also due to become a commercial proposition later this year.
According to the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), four operators have already launched commercial TD-LTE networks globally: Brazilian operator Sky, Poland's Aero2, and Saudi Arabian operators Etisalat and STC.