The GSM/3G Network Update published today by GSA – the Global mobile Suppliers Association – confirms 154 HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) have entered commercial service in 71 countries, almost double the number in a similar GSA survey 12 months ago (79 commercial networks in 45 countries – November 23, 2006).
61 HSDPA networks have entered commercial service so far in 2007, delivering mobile broadband access to an additional 20 countries. Another 41 HSDPA networks are in various stages of deployment, bringing the total number of HSDPA commitments to 195 networks in 85 countries.
HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) is the first evolution of 3G/WCDMA, delivering advanced mobile multimedia services with typical user throughputs of 800 kbps to 3.0 Mbps, depending on individual networks and device capabilities. WCDMA is deployed in 70% of all commercial 3G networks globally and is the de-facto 3G system of choice. The Network Update confirms that 190 WCDMA networks have commercially launched in 83 countries.
It means that virtually every WCDMA network operator has launched or is deploying HSDPA today.
Key facts contained in the latest GSM/3G Network Update include:
Networks
81% of commercial WCDMA networks have launched HSDPA
86 HSDPA networks (55%) launched mobile broadband service delivering 3.6 Mbps (peak) or higher in 47 countries. 29 HSDPA networks have launched 7.2 Mbps (peak) service in 19 countries
45 network operators are committed to HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet
Access)
24 HSUPA networks launched in 20 countries
Almost 60% of HSDPA operators combine with GSM/EDGE for service continuity and the best user experience
WCDMA systems – including HSPA, are deployed today in several frequency bands including 850, 900, 1700, 1800, 1900 and 2100 MHz
Devices
403 HSDPA devices are announced, addressing all segments comprizing 203 phones/consumer devices, 39 wireless routers, 61 laptops/notebooks, and 100 devices for PC/laptop/notebook HSDPA connectivity (USB modems, data cards,
etc)
Almost 150 HSDPA devices support at least 3.6 Mbps (peak) and 63 devices support or can be upgraded to 7.2 Mbps (peak) capability
75 tri-band 850/1900/2100 devices facilitate globalization of HSPA and roaming
121 HSDPA devices are capable of operation at 850 MHz
94 HSDPA devices are capable of operation at 1900 MHz
WCDMA and HSPA are part of the evolutionary roadmap for GSM and the natural evolution path followed by GSM network operators worldwide. The GSM/3G Network Update confirms there are over 960 million GSM, EDGE and WCDMA-HSPA subscribers in commercial HSPA-enabled networks globally.
Subscriptions
The GSM/3G Network Update also reviews the current status of GSM globally and per region, with analysis of subscriptions data provided by Informa Telecoms & Media. Key points include:
2.686 billion GSM (including EDGE, WCDMA-HSPA) subscriptions globally (Q3
07)
1.67 million daily average GSM subscriptions growth in Q3 07
China and India together added over 103 million GSM subscriptions January – September 2007
65 million GSM subscriptions growth in Latin America and Caribbean region January – September 2007; region total 276 million
GSM has over 86% market share of all mobile systems, 2.2% increase since end
2006
Over 158 million WCDMA subscriptions (including HSDPA); 6.6 million average monthly growth
WCDMA subscriptions grew 60% January – September 2007; almost 60 million additions
WCDMA, HSPA responsible for 75% of mobile subscriptions growth in Western Europe in Q3 07