Info Image

LTE Device Ecosystem Expanding Fast; 219 VoLTE-Capable LTE Devices Launched in Last 12 Months - GSA

LTE Device Ecosystem Expanding Fast; 219 VoLTE-Capable LTE Devices Launched in Last 12 Months - GSA Image Credit: GSA

GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association) in its latest update confirms the fast expansion of the LTE ecosystem with rapid growth in both LTE and LTE-Advanced devices launched in the marketplace.

According to GSA, a total of 1,364 new LTE user device product launches were recorded since July 2014 and this has pushed the current total of LTE user devices to 3,253. According to GSA, the number of LTE device manufacturers grew 81% in the same period to 305 companies and many more companies are expected to participate in the market in the near future as the growth in this segment continues. 

The report which covers both the LTE FDD and TDD (TD-LTE) devices, notes that smartphones are the largest LTE device category, where 1,783 smartphones (including operator and frequency variants) were announced, giving smartphones an improved 54.8% share of all LTE device types. GSA said that 98.5% of these smartphones are multimode, capable of operating on at least one 3G technology in addition to LTE and almost 44% are able to operate on 42 Mbps DC-HSPA+ networks. 

In terms of LTE-Advanced, GSA said that the rapidly expanding choice of LTE-Advanced devices is evident as more operators invest in carrier aggregation. 1,132 devices support UE Category 4, (150 Mbps downlink) i.e. 35% of all LTE devices, including 108 terminals that are UE category 6 enabled, supporting 151 Mbps up to 300 Mbps theoretical peak downlink data throughput, and 50 Mbps on the uplink. GSA also notes that convergence is a strong theme and a growing trend in this segment with several devices supporting both TDD and FDD modes.

In addition to LTE and LTE-Advanced devices, VoLTE capable devices are also seeing increased market launches. Since July 2014, a total of 219 VoLTE-capable devices (including carrier and frequency variants) including 198 smartphones have been announced by all the leading vendors which include Apple, Asus, Fujitsu, HTC, Huawei, LG, Motorola, Pantech, Samsung, Sharp, and Sony Mobile, added GSA. 

Alan Hadden, VP of Research, GSA
Dozens of new LTE terminals are being launched every week with a growing share incorporating LTE-Advanced technology. The number of Category 4 devices rose 63% in the past 4 months, however the range of Category 6 devices quadrupled in the same period.

Author

Ray is a news editor at The Fast Mode, bringing with him more than 10 years of experience in the wireless industry.

For tips and feedback, email Ray at ray.sharma(at)thefastmode.com, or reach him on LinkedIn @raysharma10, Facebook @1RaySharma

PREVIOUS POST

SD-WAN Market to Grow at 33% CAGR over Next 5 Years, according to Dell’Oro Group

NEXT POST

OTT Video Fast Becoming Mainstream in the US with Majority Opting to Watch on TV, says Parks Associates