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4G LTE & LTE-A Network Deployment Gain Strong Momentum
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Long-Term Evolution (LTE), the most sought after, next-generation (4G) super-fast wireless communications technology, is gaining rapid momentum worldwide. 4G wireless networks primarily aim to cope with the substantial rise in demand for high-speed wireless data services and mobile video.
According to a recent research report published by the Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), the number of LTE subscribers worldwide has crossed 1.29 billion in the first quarter of 2016. In the first quarter alone LTE subscriptions grew around 182 million. At this rate, 4G LTE is set to outnumber 3G (all form of 3G technologies) subscribers globally by 2020. GSA further stated that in the last one year, 4G LTE generated over 645 million subscriptions worldwide, reflecting a whopping 100% improvement year over year.
Wireless network standards are continuously evolving around the globe to offer faster speed. Following significant deployment of 4G LTE networks, LTE-A (Long-Term Evolution Advanced) wireless networks are gradually finding a solid foothold globally. The GSA report in May 2016 stated that 503 operators have commercially activated LTE networks across 167 countries. The LTE networks are expected to reach 550 by the end of 2016. Currently, there are approximately 168 LTE-A active networks, which constitute more than 30% of total LTE networks worldwide.
As per the GSA report, Asia witnessed the maximum LTE subscription of over 734 million, constituting 56.9% of the total market. At present, Asia is way ahead of North America (19.6%), Europe (14%), Latin American and the Caribbean (5.2%) and the Middle East and Africa (4.3%).
LTE-A is a more powerful version of the legacy LTE network offering increased speed and network capacity. Carrier aggregation is the most important part of LTE-A technology as it allows wireless operators to create large spectrum assets by combining different frequency bands. LTE-A also incorporates several technological advancements like Coordinated Multi-Point, Self-Optimizing Networks, Small cell enhancements, Enhanced Inter-Cell Interference Coordination and Advanced Multi-Input Multi-Output antenna.
Earlier research on 4G in the Americas had stated that the latest version of LTE-A network, which is popularly known as LTE-Advanced Pro (3GPP Release 13) will be a major step toward the smooth transition from 4G to the upcoming 5G network standard. In the U.S., all four national telecom operators, namely, Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ - Free Report) , AT&T Inc. (T - Free Report) , T-Mobile US Inc. (TMUS - Free Report) and Sprint Corp. (S - Free Report) have deployed LTE-A networks. Moreover, Verizon has decided to introduce 5G wireless standard in 2017.
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4G LTE & LTE-A Network Deployment Gain Strong Momentum
Long-Term Evolution (LTE), the most sought after, next-generation (4G) super-fast wireless communications technology, is gaining rapid momentum worldwide. 4G wireless networks primarily aim to cope with the substantial rise in demand for high-speed wireless data services and mobile video.
According to a recent research report published by the Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), the number of LTE subscribers worldwide has crossed 1.29 billion in the first quarter of 2016. In the first quarter alone LTE subscriptions grew around 182 million. At this rate, 4G LTE is set to outnumber 3G (all form of 3G technologies) subscribers globally by 2020. GSA further stated that in the last one year, 4G LTE generated over 645 million subscriptions worldwide, reflecting a whopping 100% improvement year over year.
Wireless network standards are continuously evolving around the globe to offer faster speed. Following significant deployment of 4G LTE networks, LTE-A (Long-Term Evolution Advanced) wireless networks are gradually finding a solid foothold globally. The GSA report in May 2016 stated that 503 operators have commercially activated LTE networks across 167 countries. The LTE networks are expected to reach 550 by the end of 2016. Currently, there are approximately 168 LTE-A active networks, which constitute more than 30% of total LTE networks worldwide.
As per the GSA report, Asia witnessed the maximum LTE subscription of over 734 million, constituting 56.9% of the total market. At present, Asia is way ahead of North America (19.6%), Europe (14%), Latin American and the Caribbean (5.2%) and the Middle East and Africa (4.3%).
LTE-A is a more powerful version of the legacy LTE network offering increased speed and network capacity. Carrier aggregation is the most important part of LTE-A technology as it allows wireless operators to create large spectrum assets by combining different frequency bands. LTE-A also incorporates several technological advancements like Coordinated Multi-Point, Self-Optimizing Networks, Small cell enhancements, Enhanced Inter-Cell Interference Coordination and Advanced Multi-Input Multi-Output antenna.
Earlier research on 4G in the Americas had stated that the latest version of LTE-A network, which is popularly known as LTE-Advanced Pro (3GPP Release 13) will be a major step toward the smooth transition from 4G to the upcoming 5G network standard. In the U.S., all four national telecom operators, namely, Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ - Free Report) , AT&T Inc. (T - Free Report) , T-Mobile US Inc. (TMUS - Free Report) and Sprint Corp. (S - Free Report) have deployed LTE-A networks. Moreover, Verizon has decided to introduce 5G wireless standard in 2017.
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