4G/5G

GSA confirms 100% surge in number of LTE user devices to 1,889 products

Updated:2014/7/15 09:49

July 14, 2014: The latest update to the "Status of the LTE Ecosystem" report published today by GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association) confirms that 168 manufacturers have announced 1,889 LTE-enabled user devices, including operator and frequency variants. 941 new LTE user devices were launched in the past year, representing virtually 100% annual growth. The number of manufacturers increased by 68% in the same period.

Smartphones underlined their status as the largest device category. There are 835 LTE-enabled smartphones with share growing to over 44% of all LTE device types. The choice of LTE-connected personal hotspots (MiFi) and tablets has grown. 175 LTE-enabled tablets are available, representing 9.2% of all LTE devices, with 43 more products now on the market compared to in March 2014.

1800 MHz (3GPP band 3) continues to be the most often used band for LTE network deployments globally. 43% of LTE operators use 1800 MHz in their networks, either as a single band, or as part of a multi-band deployment. The 1800 MHz band also has the largest LTE user devices ecosystem. 769 LTE1800 user devices have been announced, achieving 170% year on year growth. Over 40% of all LTE devices can operate in 1800 MHz (band 3).

The Status of the LTE Ecosystem report covers LTE FDD and TDD devices. While the majority of terminals operate in the FDD mode, support for the TDD mode (TD-LTE) has significantly strengthened. 530 devices, which is 330 more than a year ago, can operate in the LTE TDD (TD-LTE) mode. The ecosystems for TDD bands 38 (2.6 GHz) and 40 (2.3 GHz) dominate and are almost identical, each being supported in 68% of TDD devices in the market. Deployments in China appear to be the main catalyst for growth with several new product launches being confirmed recently by a growing number of manufacturers and across different price points. Another key trend is the growing availability of Category 4 and Category 6 terminals for the rapidly growing number of LTE-Advanced network deployments. There are now 373 Category 4 terminals (capable of supporting up to a theoretical downlink speed of 150 Mbps) plus a further 7 Category 6 devices (300 Mbps).

Alan Hadden, President of the GSA, said: “Rapidly expanding LTE network coverage, boosted by digital dividend spectrum coming into use in several markets, the introduction of LTE-Advanced capabilities by operators in all regions, and the fast developing TDD market in China are amongst the key drivers behind the fantastic growth we reported today".    The report notes increasing support by device manufacturers for the APT700 FDD band plan (3GPP band 28) which has been formally adopted, is recommended or has been allocated in several markets. APT700 networks are commercially launched in the Asia/Oceania region, including in Taiwan. 33 APT700-capable devices have been announced by 11 manufacturers comprising smartphones, tablets, CPEs and MiFi hotspots. Several more network commercial launches are scheduled in the short term.

As the number of VoLTE deployments continues to grow across the world enabling operators to offer HD voice and other services to LTE subscribers, so too has the availability of VoLTE-enabled terminals. 92 smartphones (including carrier and frequency variants) support VoLTE.

Worldwide, at least 308 LTE networks are commercially launched. GSA predicts that this number will grow to at least 350 networks in commercial service by the end of 2014. A further update from GSA on worldwide LTE network deployments and outlook statement for end 2014 will be published this month.

 Source:c114
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