An update to the ‘Status of the LTE Ecosystem’ report published by the GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association) confirms that 42 manufacturers have announced 137 LTE-enabled user devices, signalling 40 percent growth in the number of products launched in the past three months.
The report lists each user device by manufacturer, model and form factor, and operating frequencies.
Most devices are designed to ensure ubiquitous mobile broadband coverage by supporting existing mobile network technologies – i.e. dual mode working. The report indicates for each device where complementary modes are supported e.g. HSPA, HSPA+ and/or EV-DO and TD-SCDMA as appropriate, in addition to the LTE mode.
The breakdown of LTE devices by form factor is as follows (March 2011 figures in brackets):
Modules = 27 (22)
M-Tablets = 8 (7)
Notebooks/netbooks = 7 (6)
PC Cards = 2 (1)
Smartphones = 9 (6)
Routers (including personal hotspots) = 45 (28)
USB modems/dongles = 39 (28)
LTE is the fastest developing mobile system technology ever. According to a related recent GSA report there are 208 operators in 80 countries currently investing in LTE. 154 operators are firmly committed to deploy commercial LTE systems in 60 countries, and there are a further 54 “pre-commitment” trials or pilots in an additional 20 countries. A total of 20 operators have commercially launched LTE networks in 14 countries and territories: Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Lithuania, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Sweden, USA, and Uzbekistan (Source: Evolution to LTE report, GSA, May 11, 2011).