Taiwanese multi-service operator Far EasTone Telecommunications (FET) has reportedly obtained approval from the National Communications Commission (NCC) to offer LTE-based services using spectrum in the 1800MHz band, according to the Taipei Times.

With the operator having initially launched using the 700MHz band for its 4G offerings, in July 2014 CommsUpdate reported that the local telecoms regulator had given the nod to the proposed exchange of spectrum in the 1800MHz band between Taiwan Mobile and FET; this move was expected to enable both operators to begin offering 1800MHz LTE services on a commercial basis as early as the end of the third quarter of 2014.

Having now been given permission by the telecoms watchdog to launch 1800MHz LTE services, FET has wasted no time, and the frequencies are understood to already be in commercial use in Taipei, Greater Tai-chung and Greater Kaohsiung. By the end of this year, coverage in the nation’s five most populous cities is expected to increase to around 80%.