US : Nokia Siemens Networks is taking another significant step in further accelerating the development of Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless technology in North America with the creation of a Next Gen Technology Lab in Dallas, Texas. This will ensure that the unique requirements of operators in North America are fully incorporated into the company’s LTE developments.

The R&D center will support North American operators through development, verification and interoperability activities, from network infrastructure to mobile devices, ensuring Nokia Siemens Networks LTE technology roadmaps meet operator needs. This will be the hub for all LTE trials in the U.S. and Canada with inaugural trials in 1Q09. Additionally, the lab will foster local product development to address specific North America requirements, and will drive LTE ecosystem development to accelerate service adoption when LTE networks are deployed.

“The new lab will further enable us to capitalize on the exceptional market opportunities for next generation networks in North America and the growing expectations of consumers and enterprises for bandwidth hungry mobile applications,” said Sue Spradley, president, North America, Nokia Siemens Networks. “We look forward to continuing to drive LTE innovation, ecosystem development, and momentum with North American carriers to advance the U.S. and Canada’s communications position in the global landscape.”