Finnish handset giant Nokia brought LTE a step closer to commercial reality on Monday, as it introduced its first ever LTE capable internet modem.

The Nokia Internet Modem RD-3 is available to be used in LTE technology trials by network vendors, measurement equipment manufacturers and operators. The modem supports interoperability with GSM/EDGE and WCDMA/HSPA as well as multiple LTE frequency bands.

The leading handset firm reckons the first commercial LTE networks will be launching in 2010, with a number of LTE test networks already being rolled out by the likes of T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless.

“Nokia is committed to supporting industry activities aimed at maturing LTE technology to enable the first commercial networks to launch in 2010,” said Jani Mäenpää, project manager, LTE/SAE interoperability and trials at Nokia.