Russian-based Mobile TeleSystems (MTS) has switched on LTE in Uzbekistan, becoming only the second operator in the world to commercially launch the next-generation mobile technology. The new network – which MTS describes as “the first fully operational 4G network in the CIS and Central Asia” – has been deployed initially in the centre of Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. The operator says it will “significantly expand network coverage in the coming periods.” MTS is boasting theoretical peak speeds on the network of up to 100Mb/s using LTE-enabled modems. The network is deployed in the 2.5-2.7GHz band using a license acquired by MTS Uzbekistan in October 2009. China’s Huawei is the equipment vendor.

“The development of our networks is a key driver for growth, particularly in a region with relatively low-fixed line broadband penetration,” said MTS’ ?leg Raspopov. “The introduction of LTE in Uzbekistan will also allow MTS to gain valuable insight from this unique experience and eventually apply it to other markets of operation in the future.” The launch will make Uzbekistan only the third market in the world to go live with LTE, following TeliaSonera’s commercial LTE launches in Sweden and Norway (not including its recent soft launch in Finland). Major operators such as Japan’s NTT Docomo and Verizon Wireless of the US are planning launches later this year.