Latest figures show that 705 new LTE user devices were launched in the past year, representing 106 per cent annual growth. According to the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), the number of manufacturers also increased by 52 per cent in the same period. As things stand, 132 manufacturers have announced 1,371 LTE-enabled user devices, including frequency and carrier variants. Smartphones remain the largest device category and increased their share further to 39 per cent of all LTE device types. Almost all (99 per cent) LTE smartphones are multimode, meaning they are capable of operating on 3G networks. Around 33 per cent of LTE phones can operate on 42 Mbps DC-HSPA+ systems. The majority of terminals are designed for operation in the FDD mode. Importantly, 304 products can operate in the LTE TDD (TD-LTE) mode, which is 180 higher than a year ago and represents strong and accelerating growth, noted the GSA. Over 10 per cent of commercial LTE networks have deployed the LTE TDD mode, according to GSA data published earlier this month. Release