SINGAPORE: SingTel said that it plans to conduct trials of a high-speed mobile broadband network in the region.

The Long Term Evolution (LTE) trial aims to give its customers faster access to and a wider selection of mobile service offerings in regional markets.

It is collaborating with its associates - Optus, Globe Telecom and Telkomsel - to conduct the trials in Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

The trials, which are scheduled to start in the first half of 2010, will take place over six to nine months.

SingTel said the trials will help it to better understand LTE, and determine the best approach and strategy for its adoption in their respective local markets.

It added that the trials will also lay the groundwork to establish a regionally compatible LTE network to facilitate growth in the mobile broadband business.

- CNA/sc