The number of operators that have committed to deploying Long Term Evolution networks has more than doubled in the last one year, according to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association.
There are now 64 operators committed to LTE network deployments in 31 countries, according to a new report from GSA. There were 31 network commitments the same time a year ago, the group says.
The industry body said a further 24 operators are planning tests or trials of LTE technology. “A total of 88 operators in 42 countries have now committed to deploy LTE systems or are engaged in trials or other planning/preparatory activities,” GSA says.
The GSA forecasts that up to 22 LTE networks will be in commercial service by end 2010, and expects this figure to grow to 39 or more LTE networks commercially launched by end 2012.
LTE networks are now being installed or planned for commercial service in Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, China, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, The Philippines, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, UAE, USA, and Uzbekistan.
LTE systems were commercially launched in December 2009 in Norway and Sweden by TeliaSonera.
Verizon Wireless is rolling out LTE services in 2010, and plans to have launched in 25 to 30 cities by the end of the year. AT&T says it will do so in 2011.
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