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Global LTE Subscriptions Doubled in Past Year to Reach 1.29 billion

Global LTE Subscriptions Doubled in Past Year to Reach 1.29 billion Image Credit: GSA

GSA, the Global mobile Suppliers Association announced that LTE gained 182 million connections in Q1 2016, almost 4 times faster than 3G/HSPA systems. 3G/HSPA subscriptions grew by 48 million while GSM subscriptions fell by 120 million in the same quarter.

GSA predicts that the number of LTE and LTE-Advanced subscriptions is expected to pass the 3G/WCDMA-HSPA global total in 2020, and possibly sooner.

Analysing mobile subscriptions data provided to GSA by Ovum for Q1 2016, GSA revealed that the number of LTE and LTE-Advanced subscriptions reached 1.29 billion worldwide by 31 March 2016. Over 645 million LTE subscriptions worldwide were gained during the past year, representing 100% annual growth.

Alan Hadden, Vice President, GSA said, “LTE subscriptions were signed up during Q1 2016 at an average of 2 million per day and the rate is accelerating. LTE is now connecting over 1 in 6 mobile subscribers worldwide (17.4%).”

Details of LTE subscription by regions;

 - The Asia region, with over 734 million LTE subscriptions further grew its share of global LTE subscriptions quarter on quarter to reach 56.8%.

 - By March 2016 China had passed 511 million LTE subscriptions, adding 96.3 million in the quarter.

 - North America remains the second largest LTE market with 253 million, though its share of the world market further declined by 2.6% in the quarter to 19.6% of the global total.

 - The European share of the global total is 14%.

 - Strong growth was recorded again in the Latin America and Caribbean region to reach 68.5 million 4G/LTE subscriptions.

 - 11.1 million LTE subscriptions were added in the Middle East region in Q1 to reach 46.6 million.

 - Russia has 16.7 million LTE subscriptions

 - Africa has 9 million LTE subscriptions

 - India has almost 4 million.

 

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

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