The Global mobile Suppliers Association updated its vast inventory on tracking the worldwide mobile broadband market, unveiling updated charts tracking deployments of W-CDMA, HSPA+ and LTE networks across various spectrum bands.
The updates include a look at the evolution to LTE; the global LTE market using the 1.8 GHz band; the global market using TDD-LTE; operators committed to deploying HSPA; an update on the deployment of W-CDMA in the 900 MHz band; and ever an “EDGE Fact Sheet” for those looking for an update on 2G deployments.
The GSA had previously reported that 175 commercial LTE networks had been launched in 70 countries, with 100 of those launches performed in the past year. In total, the GSA claims that there are 371 LTE network deployments planned or in progress across 116 countries, with 248 commercial networks expected to be operational by the end of the year.
Currently, FDD-LTE deployments using the 1.8 GHz band dominate the commercial landscape with more than 43% of deployments using that configuration. FDD-LTE deployments using the 2.6 GHz band were second in deployments. TDD-LTE networks, which use unpaired spectrum assets and are seen by some as the future of mass LTE growth, were part of 16 commercial deployments.
Domestically, FDD-LTE deployments in the 700 MHz band provide the greatest scope of coverage with Verizon Wireless, AT&T Mobility and U.S. Cellular relying on that configuration for their rapidly expanding LTE coverage. Verizon Wireless has said it plans to begin filling in capacity with its 1.7/2.1 GHz spectrum holdings, matching LTE deployments from T-Mobile USA, MetroPCS and Leap Wireless. Sprint Nextel and a handful of regional carriers are moving forward with LTE deployments in the 1.9 GHz band, while Clearwire has said it plans to begin rolling out TDD-LTE services in the 2.5 GHz band later this year.
Bored? Why not follow me on Twitter?
