ABI: operators rush to upgrade 3G; LTE waits in the wings

Details: Category: Wireless Networks; 09 December 2009; 12658 views

ABI Research’s new report looks at preparations for the introduction of 4G. While ABI anticipates that LTE is only expected to roll out in late 2010, it is encouraged by the interest shown in LTE trials: 100 mobile networks showing interest, and more than 40 from the Asia-Pacific region...

LTE trials are picking up pace, with operators eager to roll out 4G networks as soon as possible, according to a new report from ABI Research (Wireless Spectrum, Services and Technology Deployment Market Data). As of the end of September 2009, 100 mobile networks had LTE trials or commitments to trial underway. The Asia-Pacific region accounted for more than 40 of these trials, with operators in Japan and South Korea leading the way.

In addition, 33 contracts for LTE equipment have been announced. ABI research forecasts LTE subscribers are predicted to reach 32.6 million by 2013 but the first LTE networks are only expected to roll out towards the end of 2010.

ABI Research Analyst Bhavya Khanna says, “In order to keep up with the exponential growth of mobile data that has been spurred by fixed-rate data plans, operators must upgrade their existing 3G infrastructure.” Many operators cannot wait until LTE is operationally ready, and have already started to upgrade their existing 3G networks to the HSPA (HSDPA and HSUPA) standard. This allows operators to increase their download rate to up to 21Mb/s.

In addition, close to 200 networks have upgraded or are in the process of upgrading their 3G networks to HPSA, including more than 50 networks in Asia-Pacific. Contracts for 54 networks upgrades to the HSPA+ standard have also been announced, indicating a firm commitment to the 3G progress path.

“While progress towards the deployment of LTE is clearly racing ahead,” Bhavya Khanna concludes, “operators cannot afford to neglect their existing networks.”

* ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s team of experts advises thousands of decision-makers through 27 research and advisory services.

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