PLDT mobile unit Smart Communications is undertaking a major network expansion in Metro Manila over the next three months, to improve the coverage and quality of its LTE service.

Sierra Wireless today introduced four new AirPrime embedded modules, to support LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) networks worldwide. The new AirPrime modules are based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon X7 LTE Modem. 

Australia's Telstra, GSMA and GSA have launched a major promotion of the APT700 spectrum band for 4G networks. The band is already identified for use in markets covering more than two billion people. The new campaign will highlight further the many socio-economic benefits of greater global alignment around this band.

KPN has officially turned on 4G LTE network in Amsterdam. Operator expects to have covered approximately 50% of the Dutch population by mid-2013 and nationwide coverage in the second half of 2014.

Zain Saudi Arabia (Zain KSA) has signed network expansion and upgrade agreements worth US $1.2 billion with five technology companies: Huawei, Nokia, NEC, Cisco, and Alcatel Lucent. The agreements aim to enhance Zain KSA’s customer experience and to improve and expand Zain’s network capacity, coverage and speed.

Latin American wireless services provider America Movil has selected Alcatel-Lucent to provide infrastructure for its 4G LTE network rollout in Latin America. The deployment will commence with America Movil’s operator Claro commercially launching high-speed mobile broadband services to subscribers in Puerto Rico in the coming weeks.

Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network now covers 500 markets in 49 states and operator officially launches next month in Alaska. Parkersburg, W.Va., became the 500th market in the United States with LTE service from Verizon Wireless.