PR releases

Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) Confirms 26 Operators committed to LTE

March 4th, 2009: 26 network operators have committed to deploy 3GPP LTE systems, according to latest research by GSA, the Global mobile Suppliers Association.

The current status of LTE worldwide is presented in an update of the GSA Information Paper – Evolution to LTE, published on March 4th, 2009.

The Evolution to LTE paper contains concise information about the business drivers, objectives and targets for LTE – Long Term Evolution and SAE – System Architecture Evolution, including network operator commitments and deployment/launch plans, device and platforms availability, latest trials results, spectrum, and plans for future evolution of LTE for consideration for the ITU IMT-Advanced standard.

Business users and consumers can today browse the Internet or send and receive e-mails using HSPA-enabled notebooks, or using HSPA modems including USB dongles, as well as send and receive video or music using their 3G/HSPA phones.

Several operators are upgrading their networks this year with evolved HSPA (HSPA+) technology using 64 QAM modulation, enabling up to 21 Mbps downlink peak data speeds. Combining with 2x2 MIMO will mean 42 Mbps as a future step when devices come to market that support these speeds.

LTE will deliver significant further capacity, data rate speed and throughput enhancements, and reduced latency, to support new services and features requiring higher levels of capability and performance. LTE is the next step in the user experience which will further enhance more demanding applications such as interactive TV, mobile video blogging, advanced games and professional services.

The new system includes support of a full IP-based network, and harmonization with legacy 3GPP systems (GSM, GPRS/EDGE, WCDMA-HSPA) and other radio access technologies.

LTE reduces the cost per Gigabyte delivered, which is essential for addressing the mass market.

The Information Paper notes that up to 10 LTE networks are expected to launch commercial services in 2010. LTE is on track, attracting global industry support. With the HSPA mobile broadband eco-system in place, LTE is the natural migration choice for GSM/HSPA operators.

LTE is also the next generation mobile broadband system of choice of leading CDMA operators, with leading players expected to be in the forefront of service introduction.

The Evolution to LTE Information Paper by GSA is available now as a free download at www.gsacom.com/downloads/pdf/lte_3gpp.php4