As smartphone manufacturers look to China as the next large market for smartphone sales, Samsung this week announced what it claims is the first dual duplex-mode smartphone. The Korean Manufacturer will be releasing versions of the its Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S4 that are compatible with both TDD-LTE (Time Division Duplex) and FDD-LTE (Frequency Division Duplex) wireless modes. Samsung claims the devices will seamlessly switch between the LTE technologies.
Most current LTE networks are based on the FDD-LTE channel access method, which uses different carrier frequencies for transmitters and receivers. TDD-LTE is a competing LTE channel access method that separates outbound and inbound signals, making it more ideal for crowded LTE networks. TDD-LTE is expected to gain adoption in the near future, particularly in the U.S. and China. In addition to consumers being able to switch between the LTE methods, Samsung envisions mobile providers using both TDD-LTE and FDD-LTE to manage data traffic on their networks.
“Samsung continues to accelerate global LTE market deployment, addressing technical challenges faster than anyone else,” said JK Shin, co-CEO of Samsung. “With today’s TDD/FDD LTE seamless handover devices announcement, Samsung again demonstrates the company’s commitment to driving better, more convenient customer experiences. The first commercially available TDD/FDD seamless handover devices will allow customers to fully enjoy the benefits of fast mobile data communications no matter where they are.”
