4G support for Lumia 820

Question

After launch of 4G LTE on 1800 MHz band in Pakistan can i expect Microsoft Devices to enable 4G in my Lumia 820 through the upcoming Denim update? Currently although i have a LTE sim, highest connection speed is shown as 3G. I have read on a blog that denim or 4G connectivity may not be offered for 820. I would emphasise that someone from Microsoft Devices may kindly clarify so i may plan to ditch my phone in case this is true!

Answer 1

Microsoft have inherited Nokias way of doing things, so they work with local operators to have the phones approved to use on the particular network before releasing updates, and before enabling new features. Other vendors may release phones and updates and hope it will work. My friends often complain about dropped calls on expensive, competing phones, something that has never been an issue on my Nokia phones.
The particular trouble with LTE/4G is that phone calls still need 2G or 3G in most areas. This fallback is not trivial to do, since it is very different technology. Also since there are at least three major network hardware suppliers (Nokia, Ericsson, Huawei) to provide the equipment for the cell towers, this in itself can be challenge. There are official industry standards to ensure compatibility of course, but I prefer something that is tested and approved for my region.
LTE is still work-in-progress. I keep the money for a new phone in my pocket until my operator enables phone calls on 4G (VoLTE) which completes a phone call in less than a second, instead of an up to 10 second wait. the long-range 700Mhz frequencies for rural areas will be nice too, and then there is carrier aggregation for even higher data speed. It is nerdy stuff, but that is how I am.
It is very unlikely that you will get an official response from Microsoft, so I hope this helps.
Hans