4G LTE Gated by 3G Success, not WiMAX

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., February 1, 2010 - Long term evolution (LTE), the next-generation mobile broadband standard, is the clear choice for the next leap in wireless technology, reports In-Stat (http://www.in-stat.com).  While WiMax appeared to be a competitor for 4G early on, that battle is now largely resolved.  LTE’s deployment will primarily be impeded by the success of 3G networks and HSPA and HSPA+ networks as mobile operators seek to leverage their installed infrastructure.

“LTE still has several glaring issues,” says Allen Nogee, In-Stat analyst. “These include lack of spectrum, signal-to-noise ratio, and non-established patent and royalty pool.  It’s clear that the shift toward 4G LTE will be gradual and protracted.”

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:

• LTE deployments will effectively begin in 2010.  North America and Asia/Pacific will be the first regions to deploy.
  
• While LTE will ultimately become the 4G standard of choice, Mobile Wi-Max is much more mature in deployment and has a distinct niche. Even by 2013, Mobile Wi-Max will have more than 5 times as many global subscribers as LTE.
  
• External clients, such as dongles, network cards, and USB dongles will be the first LTE subscriber devices sold.  LTE mobile handsets will not start shipping in major volumes until 2H12.  
  
• WiMAX deployments have given chipset manufacturers, device manufacturers, and infrastructure suppliers real-world experience.

Recent In-Stat research, The Road to LTE Worldwide: Is WiMAX Really the Enemy? (#IN1004525WBB), covers the worldwide market for 4G wireless technology. It includes:

 

• Examination of the evolution of 3G to 4G wireless technology.
• LTE deployment plans by major operators and by region.
• Cellular and mobile LTE subscription forecasts through 2013.
• Forecasts of LTE external clients device and PC shipments through 2013.

For a free sample of the report and more information, please contact Elaine Potter at: epotter@reedbusiness.com or (480) 483-4441

To purchase it online, please visit: http://www.instat.com/catalog/wcatalogue.asp?id=281

The price is $3,495 (US).

This research is part of In-Stat’s Wireless Broadband Evolution service, which provides end-to-end coverage of the technologies and strategies for the development and deployment of future wireless technologies, such as HSPA, LTE, WiMAX and Enhanced Wireless DSL. The coverage includes the infrastructure, devices, services, and subscribers for wireless broadband.

Related In-Stat research:

Global Five-Year Cellular Macro Station Forecast

In-Depth Analysis: Big Pipes—The Global Market for Cellular/WiMAX Backhaul

3Q09 WiMAX/LTE Contract, Deployment, Infrastructure, and Subscriptions Database

For more information, contact:

Allen Nogee, Principal Analyst
Phone: 480-609-4538
Email: anogee@reedbusiness.com

Elaine Potter, Marketing Coordinator
Phone: 480-483-4441
Email: epotter@reedbusiness.com