4G LTE

Also known as 4G, LTE is seen by many as the protocol around which the next generation of smartphones will be built.

It suggests LTE will emerge as the leading 4G technology, rather than WiMax or Ultra Mobile Broadband, which are the main alternatives.

However, it is unclear how far Beijing would compromise on 4G convergence if it means a minor role for Chinese technology in LTE.

China Mobile has already announced that it will carry Apple's 4G iPhones when a LTE (long-term evolution) version is ready.

Mr Sarin said WiMax should be harmonised with LTE, adding that Vodafone is planning to roll out 4G networks from 2010.

Sprint is in the middle of switching 4G systems, from WiMAX to LTE.

Verizon's 4G network has been up and running since December, and the first LTE phones are expected any day now.

A thin lineup of 4G mobile devices will also hinder the growth of LTE data services, some say.

Verizon is busy rolling out a 4G network based on LTE technology, which it says will deliver download speeds of 5-12 Mbps.

So a LTE or 4G model of the iPhone 5 is very likely to appear alongside the standard 3G version.

Would you like to know more about LTE, which is becoming the global standard for 4G?