GSA updates on the LTE ecosystem, confirms smartphones driving LTE devices growth
October 14, 2014: The latest update to the Status of the LTE Ecosystem report published today by GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association) confirms that 183 manufacturers have announced 2,218 LTE-enabled user devices, including operator and frequency variants. 978 new products were announced during the past year, representing 79% annual growth. The number of manufacturers increased by 52.5% in the same period.
Smartphones are the main user device category and the main growth driver. 1,045 smartphone products have been launched, translating to an improved share of 47% of all LTE device types. This compares with 455 smartphones and 36% share a year ago. 98% of LTE smartphones are multimode, capable of operating on at least one 3G technology in addition to LTE.
The next most popular LTE device category is routers (comprising CPEs and personal hotspots), followed by tablets, with dongles pushed down to 4th place. 207 LTE-connected tablets are announced, which is an 18% increase in the last 3 months alone.
1800 MHz (3GPP band 3) continues to be the most prominent band for LTE network deployments globally and also has the largest devices eco system with 944 user devices. Over 42% of all LTE devices can operate in this spectrum.
This latest Status of the LTE Ecosystem report covers LTE FDD and TDD devices. The majority of terminals operate in the FDD mode. The TDD mode also has a fast maturing ecosystem with 644 devices announced. The ecosystems for TDD bands 38 (2.6 GHz) and 40 (2.3 GHz) dominate and are virtually identical, each supported by more than 420 user terminals. Band 41 (2.6 GHz) is well represented with 261 products, followed by Band 39 (250 products). Another rise in the number of devices supporting Bands 42 and 43 (3.5 GHz) is noted.
Alan Hadden, President of the GSA, said: Operators worldwide are investing strongly in improving the customer experience, efficiencies and growth. 25% of LTE devices support Category 4 (150 Mbps peak downlink speed). 16 devices support Category 6 (300 Mbps).
APT700 FDD spectrum (Band 28) is highly attractive for operators in most regions for LTE deployments. Recent service launches in the Asia Pacific region are driving the growing choice of compatible user terminals. There are now 55 Band 28 user devices, over 80% being smartphones.
Many operators are bringing HD voice service to their LTE customers by introducing VoLTE, technology. Availability of VoLTE-enabled terminals is rapidly expanding. 146 VoLTE-capable phones (including carrier and frequency variants) have been announced by leading vendors including Apple, Asus, Fujitsu, Huawei, LG, Pantech, Samsung, Sharp and Sony Mobile.
Worldwide, 331 LTE networks are commercially launched (GSA Evolution to LTE report, September 2014). GSA expects this to rise to at least 350 networks by end 2014.
The Status of the LTE Ecosystem report published by GSA on October 14, 2014 is available as a free download to registered site users via the link at http://www.gsacom.com
Registration page for new site users http://www.gsacom.com/php/ register_form
Numerous charts, maps etc. confirming the progress of mobile broadband developments including LTE are also available at http://www.gsacom.com/news/statistics
LTE User Devices LinkedIN Group: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4146472
GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association) represents GSM/EDGE, WCDMA-HSPA and LTE suppliers, providing reports, facts, analysis and information explaining market developments and trends. Through its website www.gsacom.com GSA supports a global community which includes over 65,000 registered users, complemented by over 21,600 followers and members using GSA social network channels. Around 250,000 reports, information papers and other materials are downloaded from the GSA site annually.
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