LTE connectivity is quickly conquering the world. According to the industry organization 4G Americas, there are now 300 LTE networks in operation across the globe with more than a third of these launching in the last year alone. That number could jump to 350 by the end of the year with LTE-Advanced accounting for 40 of those.
“In five years, since the first launch of LTE by TeliaSonera in 2009, there has been explosive growth in LTE network deployments as the entire ecosystem — operators, vendors and stakeholders combined — progress the technology,” commented Chris Pearson, President of 4G Americas. “As LTE becomes the foundation of the wireless landscape, LTE-Advanced is the evolutionary step for increased speed and network capacity. We are beginning to see activity around LTE-Advanced including initial launches and devices.”
At the end of May 2014, Europe dominated when it comes to total number of LTE networks with 115 but only accounted for 39.8 million (14%) LTE connections. Canada and the U.S. only have 49 LTE networks but account for 125.8 million(45%) of all LTE connections and up from 101 million at the end of 2013. The Asia Pacific region has 54 LTE networks and 103.6 million (37%) LTE connections. In all, there are now more than 277 million LTE connections
LTE growth numbers are not likely to slow any time soon. 4G Americas predicts that global LTE connections could surpass the 2.3 billion mark by 2020.
Source : 4G Americas