The latest update to the ‘Status of the LTE Ecosystem’ report published today by the GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association) confirms that 154 manufacturers have announced 1,563 LTE-enabled user devices, including operator and frequency variants. 742 new LTE user devices were launched in the past year, representing 90% annual growth. The number of manufacturers increased by 58% to 154 companies in the same period.
Smartphones dominate as the largest device category increasing their share to over 40% of all LTE device types. The numbers of LTE-connected personal hotspots (MiFi) and tablets are also rapidly expanding.
1800 MHz (3GPP band 3) is the most widely used spectrum band by LTE operators in most regions. According to GSA, 43% of LTE networks use 1800 MHz, either as a single band, or as part of a multi-band deployment. The report today confirms that 1800 MHz is now also the best supported frequency for LTE user devices, with more terminals able to operate in this band than in any other. 589 LTE1800 (band 3) user devices have been announced, representing annual growth of 152%.
The report covers LTE FDD and/or TDD devices. The majority of terminals operate in the FDD mode. However, 387 products can operate in the LTE TDD (TD-LTE) mode, 221 more than a year ago, underlining the importance of the TDD mode. Over 11% of LTE operators have deployed the TDD mode in their networks.
Almost 90% of LTE operators have also deployed 3G network technologies (HSPA/HSPA+, EV-DO or TD-SCDMA). Multimode LTE/3G user terminals help to ensure the best customer experience of mobile broadband throughout an operator’s service area. 99% of LTE smartphones are multimode, capable of operating on 3G networks.
HSPA technology is the 3G technology of choice and used in 547 commercially launched networks according to recent data published by GSA. Over two thirds of these operators have introduced HSPA+ technology and investment in 42 Mbps DC-HSPA+ systems is a major growing trend.
Alan Hadden, President of the GSA, confirmed: “Over 72% of LTE devices can operate on 3G/HSPA systems and 36% of LTE smartphones and 26% of LTE-connected tablets can operate on 42 Mbps DC-HSPA+ networks.”
Operators are also investing in LTE-Advanced technologies, initially using carrier aggregation to increase data throughput, improve utilization of assets and network efficiency, and enhance user experience. Operators in at least 25 countries have commercially launched networks that support Category 4 user devices, which have a peak downlink rate up to 150 Mbps. A total of 233 Category 4 user devices (almost 15% of all LTE user devices) have been announced.
300 Mbps LTE-Advanced systems (when used with Category 6 devices) represent a further gain by combining 40 MHz of paired spectrum using carrier aggregation. The world’s first 300 Mbps LTE-Advanced service was commercially launched last month and Category 6 devices are available in the market.
57 phones, including carrier and frequency variants, support VoLTE.
GSA confirms that 275 LTE networks have commercially launched in 101 countries and predicts that this number will grow to at least 350 networks in commercial service by the end of 2014.