LTE networks are now widely deployed worldwide with 492 operators now offering commercial service in 162 countries, according to a newly published report from the GSA. LTE-Advanced is currently in commercial operation to some extent with 127 operators and a further 175 are currently testing the technology.
Some highlights from the GSA report:
- 422 operators deployed LTE using the FDD mode only, 51 operators deployed LTE using the TDD mode only, 21 operators deployed using both LTE FDD and TDD modes
- 126 operators in 60 countries are investing in VoLTE deployments, studies or trials. 55 operators have commercially launched VoLTE-HD voice service in 34 countries
- 1800 MHz band 3 spectrum is in commercial service in 104 countries on 226 LTE networks (LTE1800) representing over 45% of all LTE networks globally
- 5,104 LTE user devices announced by 417 suppliers. This is 2,185 devices more than GSA reported in April 2015, representing 75% Y-o-Y growth. The number of manufacturers grew 40% in the same period
- 1800 MHz (3GPP Band 3) is the best supported spectrum for LTE deployments, having the largest LTE devices ecosystem (LTE1800). Over 55% of LTE devices can operate in band 3 spectrum