GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association) in its latest report confirms the mainstream and fast-growing LTE user devices ecosystem and increasing support for LTE-Advanced and LTE-Advanced Pro technologies.
GSA said 6,504 LTE user devices including frequency and operator variants from 502 suppliers are verified (covering both the LTE FDD and TDD (TD-LTE) models).
Alan Hadden, VP, GSA, said: “The new LTE user devices total (6,504) is twice the number reported in June 2015. Notably, the choice of VoLTE-capable devices has surged, largely due to market developments in India with the launch by Reliance Jio of its 4G/LTE network and the company's decision to offer VoLTE-based voice service for LTE customers from launch.”
The smartphone is the largest LTE device category. 4,187 smartphones are announced for a quarter-on-quarter improved 64.3% share of all LTE device types. 98.6% of LTE smartphones are multimode, capable of operating on at least one 3G technology in addition to LTE. 61.7% of LTE smartphones, which is a growing proportion, can operate on 42 Mbps DC-HSPA+ networks.
According to GSA, operators worldwide are investing in VoLTE enabling an HD voice experience for LTE users. 696 VoLTE-capable devices including carrier and frequency variants, 646 of which are smartphones, are announced across all price points.