Seventeen LTE Networks Now Launched

The number of LTE networks now in commercial operation has reached 17, according the official count of the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) on 12-January-2010. There have been 128 firm operator commitments to deploy commercial LTE systems in 52 countries, and a further 52 “pre-commitment” trials or pilots in an additional 18 countries. This pace of adoption is expected to be faster than with previous generations of mobile technology.

“LTE made excellent progress in 2010 to become the fastest developing mobile system technology ever. We expect that the introduction of LTE systems and user devices will significantly quicken in 2011.”

Countries with at least one LTE network operator include Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Norway, Poland, Sweden, USA, and Uzbekistan.

Some other key points:

• At least 64 LTE networks are anticipated will be in commercial service by end 2012
• There are currently 81 HSPA+ networks in commercial operation and 136 commitments
• Most LTE commitments and deployments use the paired spectrum (FDD) mode.
• The LTE TDD mode for unpaired spectrum is complementary and valuable in several markets, including China.

A free 19-page report covering LTE activities by country is available from the GSA.http://www.gsacom.com