The push by domestic operators to rollout LTE services in the 700 MHz spectrum band has vaulted its worldwide leadership in supporting devices, according to a new study by the Global Mobile Suppliers Association.
The GSA found that as of this month, 193 of the 417 LTE-enabled devices made available to consumers support some part of the 700 MHz spectrum band that is being used by Verizon Wireless, AT&T Mobility and a number of smaller U.S.-based operators as the basis for their LTE rollouts.
The 2.6 GHz band, which is being used by operators in Europe and Latin America, has attracted 120 devices, followed by the 1.8 GHz band with 98 devices and the 800 MHz band with 90 devices. According to the GSA, there are 75 devices compatible with all three of those bands.
“As LTE network rollouts rapidly develop in other regions, particularly in Europe where operators are primarily using 2600 MHz, 1800 MHz and 800 MHz digital dividend spectrum, in many cases using all three bands, manufacturers have quickly responded with products for these markets,” the GSA noted. “For example, the number of user devices capable of operating in 2600 MHz spectrum (Band 7) has increased by 85% since January 2012. The choice of LTE 1800 (Band 3) devices has also significantly expanded. There are now 98 LTE 1800 user devices, which is almost double the number reported by GSA in January 2012.”
As for form factors, wireless routers make up the bulk of LTE-enabled devices with the GSA counting 157 routers being made available to the public. Smartphones made up the second largest group with 83 devices, followed by 78 wireless modems, 45 embeddable modules and 31 tablet devices.
The GSA added that there were 267 LTE devices that also supported a version of the HSPA standard and 126 LTE devices that also support a version of CDMA technology. There are also 68 LTE devices that support the TDD standard of the technology, which is gaining momentum in the United States and China.
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