November 2012

If forecasts of the number of LTE networks to be switched on in 2012 were slightly over ambitious, the shape of the predicted growth curve was accurate - With 119 launches - 2012 has been the year of LTE.

“…LTE is the fastest developing mobile system technology ever and entering a new phase as a mainstream technology by end of 2012.” according to the Global mobile Suppliers Association, in its regular 'Evolution to LTE' report.

Alan Hadden, President of the GSA, predicts that additional spectrum being made available will provide a further significant boost to LTE deployments beyond this year. 

He also expects the importance of LTE TDD mode in unpaired spectrum, to be a major growth factor. Further proof that the complete eco-system around LTE is taking off is the GSA reported availability of over 520 LTE user devices (including operator and frequency variants) so far announced or already on the market, compared with just 417 back in July 2012 (see figure below).  The Evolution to LTE report was researched and published by GSA and provides a concise update of the business drivers, objectives and targets for LTE – Long Term Evolution and the evolved packet system, including network operator commitments, deployments, launches, trials, the growing eco-system including device availability, spectrum requirements and developments, Voice over LTE developments, standardization activities including LTE-Advanced, and more.

The report is available as a free download to registered site users at www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/info_papers 

See Also:

EC opens 3G bands for 4G 6th November, Mobile World Live: "The European Commission yesterday decided to open the current 3G band for 4G (including LTE) services"... a move it said will mean that the EU will have around 1000 MHz of spectrum for high speed wireless broadband..."The regulator said that it will be mandatory for member states to open the relevant spectrum – around the 2GHz band – by 30 June 2014 at the latest..." (More)


Contact for this story:
Kevin FLYNN