The number of LTE devices available on the market has increased dramatically, according to a new report from the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA). The trade body said that since February the number of LTE devices announced has surged by 155 per cent, with mobile hotspots and routers being identified as the largest growth categories.
The GSA's president, Alan Hadden, said in a statement that the majority of LTE user devices are focused on the 700MHz band where LTE networks are developing fastest. "As LTE rollouts accelerate in other regions, particularly in Europe and Asia Pacific, where operators will primarily be using 2600MHz, 1800MHz and digital dividend spectrum, we expect manufacturers will follow to support them with products for those markets," he said.
While the GSA study highlights the number of modules (28), USB dongles (41) and routers (63) being enabled with LTE, the number of smartphones supporting this technology remains at eight, half of which are manufactured by Samsung.
Hadden also told Total Telecom that the LTE device market is largely being driven by Verizon Wireless due to its aggressive deployment plan, although he expected operators in other regions to generate similar LTE device activity shortly.
For more:
- see this GSA press release
- see the Total Telecom article
Related Articles:
PCCW to jumpstart UK LTE market with 2012 launch
Deutsche Telekom launches LTE in Cologne, plans 100 markets for 2011
European operators unite around 1800MHz as core band for LTE
Mallinson: Why is LTE still delayed in most of Europe?