Singapore’s telecom service provider, M1 has launched commercial LTE service.

Singapore’s telecom service provider, M1 has launched commercial LTE service. At its launch, the LTE network covers major areas within the financial district, including Marina Bay, Suntec, Shenton Way and other areas. Coverage is being progressively expanded and is scheduled to be nationwide by the first quarter of 2012.

M1’s dual band LTE network, operating on both the 1.8 GHz and 2.6 GHz frequency bands, will have an initial theoretical downlink speed of 75 Mbps and uplink speed of 37.5 Mbps. By end 2012, the theoretical downlink and uplink speeds will be upgraded to 150 Mbps and 75 Mbps respectively.

The launch will involve customers from M1’s enterprise sector. These customers will be able to access M1’s LTE service via USB modems on existing mobile broadband plans at S$59.40 (with GST) per month. An expanded range of LTE devices, including tablets and smartphones, is expected to be available later this year.