The mobile broadband market has exploded thanks to
widespread adoption, powerful new networks, marvelous new handheld devices, and
over a half million mobile applications. Mobile broadband now represents the
leading edge in innovation and development for computing, networking, Internet
technology, and software, according to 4G Americas.
Exploding demand for data services is being addressed
through a combination of technology advancements including HetNets,
self-optimization, and improved spectral efficiencies. Ultimately, more
spectrum is needed in most countries.
GSM-LTE has an overwhelming global position in terms of
subscribers, deployment, and services
HSPA+ provides a strategic performance roadmap advantage
for incumbent GSM-HSPA operators even as most operators plan for a future that
includes LTE.
3GPP has spearheaded enhancements and innovation to both
the Radio Access Network and Core Network to enhance customer experiences.
The wireless technology roadmap now extends beyond
IMT-Advanced with LTE-Advanced being one of the first technologies defined to
meet IMT-Advanced requirements. LTE-Advanced will be capable of peak throughput
rates that exceed 1 Gbps.
With a customer base of 5.2 billion connections today,
the 3GPP family of technologies is available on 800 networks in 219 countries
worldwide. Building on this base, the GSM-HSPA ecosystem has become the most
successful communications technology family ever, with 412 commercial HSPA
networks in 157 countries.
4G Americas expects the majority of all HSPA operators will upgrade their networks to HSPA+
which is already commercially deployed by 163 operators in 80 countries with
current peak theoretical downlink data throughput speeds from 21 Mbps to 42
Mbps.
“HSPA and HSPA+ are the foundation for mobile
broadband services around the world. These technologies are at the forefront of
providing ubiquitous high speed data services to customers. Yet, we are seeing
tremendous new investment in LTE as operators secure new spectrum and make new
investments for the future with LTE infrastructure,” said Chris Pearson,
president of 4G Americas.
LTE is the global standard for the next generation of
mobile networks supported by virtually every major operator in the industry.
With 27 commercial networks launched in 19 countries and more than 250 operator
commitments worldwide, LTE has become the global cellular-technology platform
of choice for GSM-HSPA, CDMA/EV-DO and new operators. Also, WiMAX operators
could have a smooth path to LTE-TDD.
The cycle of mobile broadband demand is lead by
tremendous devices, higher data speeds and more applications. As device
processing power increases and mobile broadband speeds increase, customers
utilize even more of the network. LTE will improve the efficiencies in the
network, but more spectrum is needed to serve societies’ growing appetite for
connectivity.
By Telecomlead.com Team
editor@telecomlead.com
