Nearly 950 LTE-enabled devices have been announced for use on LTE networks, including 200 that can operate using the TD-LTE mode, according to a new report from the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA).
The most popular TD-LTE bands in terms of number of devices are 38 (2.6 GHz) and 40 (2.3 GHz), said the group.
Daryl Schoolar, principal analyst of wireless infrastructure for Ovum, has noted that commercial LTE networks based upon FDD number in the hundreds, while TD-LTE deployments remain in the teens. However, China Mobile is expected to open bidding for 207,000 TD-LTE base stations starting July 15, ensuring "a solid foundation for the technology," he said.
The most popular FDD bands are, in descending order: 2600 MHz, band 7; 1800 MHz, band 3; 800 MHz, band 20; 700 MHz, bands 12 and 17; 2100 MHz, band 1; 700 MHz, band 13; AWS 1700/2100 MHz, band 4; 900 MHz, band 8; and 850 MHz, band 5. The GSA noted several products support more than one band.
The association said 100 manufacturers are responsible for the 948 announced LTE devices, 531 of which were launched in the past year. During the same period the number of manufacturers increased by almost 50 percent.
Smartphones remain the largest LTE device category, but LTE-connected tablets and personal hotspots are also fast-growing product segments. Further, 658 LTE devices can operate on HSPA networks, including 302 products that support 42 Mbps DC-HSPA+ capabilities, while 243 LTE devices can operate on EV-DO systems.
"LTE is becoming a standard feature in mid-tier devices. The report also confirms that the number of LTE devices supporting 42 Mbps DC-HSPA+ almost tripled in the past year, ensuring mobile broadband customers benefit from investments that many LTE operators are making to boost the performance, capacity and efficiencies of their HSPA networks," said GSA President Alan Hadden.
For more:
- see this GSA release
Related articles:
LTE Advanced is the next competitive battleground for operators
When it comes to LTE TDD, June has been a big month
Europe's vendors jostle for slice of massive China TD-LTE tender
SK Telecom rolls out LTE Advanced with carrier aggregation
APT700 MHz leads the way to global LTE spectrum harmonization
GSA: Number of LTE networks to hit 234 by year-end