Report: FDD-LTE dominates but TD-LTE is closing the gap

LTE networks will continue to mushroom around the globe through 2018, according to a new report from ABI Research, with the FDD-based variant of the technology continuing to dominate. However, time-division duplex (TD-LTE) networks will gain ground at a more rapid compound annual growth rate of 43 per cent from 2012 to 2018, compared to a 33 per cent CAGR growth for FDD-LTE networks. TD-LTE development is being primarily driven by operators in China and India, including the world's largest Carrie by subscribers, China Mobile, which plans to expand its TD-LTE network significantly over the next several years. "Dual-mode device chipsets supporting both variants as well as converged FDD/TDD network solutions are already available," commented ABI analyst Ying Kang Tan. "It's only a matter of time before the need for more spectrum pushes an increasing number of operators to embrace both simultaneously." Release