Geocell to launch LTE ‘soon’

Following a recent move by the Georgian National Communications Commission (GNCC) to modify the radio frequency spectrum licences of the country’s existing telecoms operators to allow for the provision of 4G technology, mobile operator Geocell has revealed on its website that it plans to introduce 4G LTE services soon. ‘To meet customers’ greater need for speed and capacity, our existing mobile network is continuously upgraded with new technology. Traffic in Geocell increased by as much as 500%. Now it is time for the fourth generation of mobile services,’ a statement on the cellco’s website said, without providing further details on when a launch is expected to take place. According to Geocell, data speeds on the LTE network will be up to ten times faster than in 3G coverage areas. TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database notes that Geocell, which is majority-owned by Sweden’s TeliaSonera, is Georgia’s second largest mobile operator by subscribers, with a total customer base of 1.882 million at the end of September 2014, giving it a market share of 33.6%.