There are now 24 commercial LTE networks in service and 166 firm commercial LTE network deployments in progress or planned in 62 countries, according to the latest report from The Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA). The report covers both LTE FDD and LTE TDD systems. A further 52 operators in 19 additional countries are engaged in LTE technology trials, tests or studies.
Alan Hadden, President, GSA said: “LTE is the fastest developing mobile system technology ever. The number of operators investing in LTE has increased 98% since June 2010, while the number of firm deployment commitments has more than doubled (107%) in the same period. We have again raised our market outlook and forecast at least 91 LTE networks will be in commercial service by end 2012.”
GSA also note strong momentum towards deploying LTE in re-farmed spectrum, particularly 1800 MHz (i.e. LTE1800). Four LTE1800 networks are now commercially launched, in Germany, Lithuania, Poland and Singapore, and several more deployments are in progress or planned. The report also notes the growing international interest and acceptance of LTE TDD and confirms numerous studies, trials and deployments underway or planned in Australia, China, India and other Asian markets, Europe, the Middle East, Russia and North America. http://www.gsacom.com
