I guess the question then becomes - at what point does LTE become a requirement. Meaning - just because one carrier in the world requires it - does that mean it is a standard?
You're confusing an essential standard with standard essential patents. FRAND has nothing to do with a standard being essential or optional to implement. FRAND are usually terms required of patent holders who wish to submit technology for incorporation into a standard managed by an industry body. LTE is such a standard, governed by the 3GPP. Samsung, Nortel, Motorola and others have all submitted technology that is under patent to make this standard a reality, but as such, have agreed to license the patents under FRAND terms.
Even if LTE were not to end up being usuable or implementable or "required", anyone wanting to use the 3GPP's LTE standard would be allowed to license the patents from the different holders under FRAND terms because of their agreement with the 3GPP.
Now, FRAND does not mean FREE though, and so if your device implements these patented methods, you will need a license, under the FRAND terms, with the holders or the patent pool manager. Otherwise, your device is still in infringement and you could face sanctions ranging from damages to injunctions placed on the sale of your device. FRAND also does not mean equal. It means Fair, Reasonnable and non discriminitory. It is not unfair to ask someone to pay more if they have no cross-licensing agreement vs someone who does give back patent licenses in exchange.
So the question never was whether LTE is a "requirement" or not by carriers, that doesn't even begin to matter in the equation. What matters is 2 fold :
- Are Apple's devices infringing on the patent ?
- Does Apple hold a license, whether through their radio vendors or through a negotiated deal with the patent holders ?
Apple's lawsuits weren't ridiculous, they played by the rules. Whether or not the rules are ridiculous doesn't hold up in court.
Apple may have played by the rules, but it would seem the jury did not :
http://www.groklaw.net/article.php?story=20120908144706110
Anyway, until appeals are done and we know if the jury's foreman actions were justified or not, we won't have closure in the Apple v. Samsung case.