February 1, 2010: A new survey by the [Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA)->www.gsacom.com
] published today confirms the continuing globalization of GSM/EDGE systems.

The key findings are contained in the updated EDGE Fact Sheet, and shows that 503 operators have committed to EDGE network deployments in 195 countries. The number of operators committed to EDGE has increased by more than 14% over the past year.

The EDGE Fact Sheet also confirms that 487 EDGE networks are now commercially launched in 190 countries (see GSA web site for a full list). Operators in all regions have made significant investments to enhance the capacity and coverage of existing networks, often extending EDGE capabilities to their full GSM coverage area.

GSM/EDGE, a software enhancement to GPRS networks, is a mainstream mature and global technology which is supported by a well developed ecosystem. The first commercial EDGE network was launched in June 2003. GSA estimates that over 80% of GPRS operators have since committed to the EDGE enhancement, delivering significant data traffic and revenue growth.






In markets where 3G/WCDMA-HSPA networks are available, EDGE is also typically deployed for service continuity and the best user experience of mobile broadband services. According to GSA research, two-thirds of HSPA network operators have also deployed EDGE. In other markets where 3G spectrum has not yet been granted, EDGE is providing efficient and fast mobile Internet connectivity, which in many cases is the only means where fixed connections are not available.

There are several thousand EDGE-capable user devices available on the market, extending to all but the lowest cost segments. Recent mobile broadband WCDMA-HSPA user devices usually also combine support for quad band GSM/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900). Over 83% of WCDMA-HSPA user devices, covering all market segments and device types, also support EDGE.

EDGE network capabilities are evolving as part of the 3GPP specifications.

Commercial EDGE Evolution solutions are now available which increase EDGE network downlink and uplink data speeds and reduce latency, extending mobile broadband availability cost-effectively.

The GSA EDGE Fact Sheet (February 1, 2010) includes a complete list of all EDGE network deployments and commercial launches worldwide, and is available now as a free download at www.gsacom.com

• EDGE-related maps/charts are also available at www.gsacom.com/news/statistics.php4

• Register to download documents and other resources at www.gsacom.com/php/register_form.php4

ABOUT GSA

GSA represents leading GSM/3G/WCDMA-HSPA and LTE suppliers worldwide, covering close to 100% of mobile market share. Industry professionals and organizations globally use www.gsacom.com as a single information resource, targeted to the industry, for authoritative facts, market intelligence, objective analysis and information.

• Website: www.gsacom.com

• Media enquiries: press@gsacom.com