Executives from Samsung and Nokia today reiterated their support for TD-LTE technology.

Speaking at the Global TD-LTE Initiative Summit, Samsung president Jong-kyun Shin revealed that the company is set to offer a commercial device supporting both TD-LTE and FDD LTE technology “in the middle of this year”.

Noting the company’s experience in the 4G space, strong brand, and strong partners in the industry, the executive continued: “LTE is an evolution. But evolutions are not preordained. As an industry leader, we still need to make the right choice on our path.”

He also highlighted the benefits to consumers of supporting multiple connectivity types. “Dual mode means that your one device will have much broader network coverage. It means seamless service when you go between FDD LTE and TD-LTE, it means a truly global roaming service, wherever you go.”

Meanwhile, Jo Harlow, global EVP at Nokia, said that the company is readying smartphones with TD-LTE support, nothing that she is “looking forward to introducing the results of that work in the not-too-distant future.”

“We have established R&D programmes for the introduction of TD-LTE products into the Lumia portfolio. We are working closely with Qualcomm, Nokia Siemens Networks and operator partners to support multi-mode LTE,” she said.

“Nokia’s focus is on making global products that work everywhere in the world, and we have great experience and competence in this area”, the executive noted.

Harlow reiterated the company’s support for the China market, particularly through its partnership with TD-LTE proponent China Mobile.

Nokia announced its first Windows Phone-powered device supporting the operator’s TDSCDMA 3G network last year, and at Mobile World Congress this week revealed that two more smartphones are set to join it.