A dozen operators to launch LTE services in 2010, says ABI Research
The tally of wireless operators committed to deploy LTE networks and offer LTE-based services to their subscribers in 2010 has climbed to at least 12, according to ABI Research. By the following year nearly 34 million users worldwide are forecast to subscribe to the new ultra-fast data services, which promise speeds rivaling those available via cable or DSL.
"Spectrum availability is the primary factor impacting deployment plans," commented ABI senior analyst Nadine Manjaro. "In countries where telecommunications regulators are making appropriate spectrum available, many operators have announced plans to launch LTE. These include the US, Sweden, China, and others. Where no such spectrum allocations exist, operators are postponing LTE plans."
The first operators intending to deploy LTE include US-based Verizon Wireless, MetroPCS Wireless, and US Cellular; NTT DoCoMo and KDDI in Japan; TeliaSonera, Tele2 and Telenor in Europe; and China-based China Mobile, which intends to launch in 2011. KT and SK Telecom are expected to launch in Korea 2010, but there has been little fanfare so far.
These commitments are good news for infrastructure equipment vendors. A few operators have already announced the contracts they have awarded. Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, and Starent are the winners of a major set of contracts from Verizon Wireless. In Japan, NTT DoCoMo, in addition to tapping Ericsson, is also supporting local vendors NEC and Fujitsu, ABI noted.
TeliaSonera has chosen Ericsson and Huawei Technologies, while its fellow Scandinavian operators Tele2 and Telenor are also thought likely to settle on Huawei, which is proving a formidable competitor, according to ABI.
"The operators are looking for strong partners," said Manjaro. "Operators want to know their vendors will stay in business, that they will have equipment ready early, and that they are financially strong enough to collaborate in developing new services and solutions, " added Manjaro.
"Spectrum availability is the primary factor impacting deployment plans," commented ABI senior analyst Nadine Manjaro. "In countries where telecommunications regulators are making appropriate spectrum available, many operators have announced plans to launch LTE. These include the US, Sweden, China, and others. Where no such spectrum allocations exist, operators are postponing LTE plans."
The first operators intending to deploy LTE include US-based Verizon Wireless, MetroPCS Wireless, and US Cellular; NTT DoCoMo and KDDI in Japan; TeliaSonera, Tele2 and Telenor in Europe; and China-based China Mobile, which intends to launch in 2011. KT and SK Telecom are expected to launch in Korea 2010, but there has been little fanfare so far.
These commitments are good news for infrastructure equipment vendors. A few operators have already announced the contracts they have awarded. Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, and Starent are the winners of a major set of contracts from Verizon Wireless. In Japan, NTT DoCoMo, in addition to tapping Ericsson, is also supporting local vendors NEC and Fujitsu, ABI noted.
TeliaSonera has chosen Ericsson and Huawei Technologies, while its fellow Scandinavian operators Tele2 and Telenor are also thought likely to settle on Huawei, which is proving a formidable competitor, according to ABI.
"The operators are looking for strong partners," said Manjaro. "Operators want to know their vendors will stay in business, that they will have equipment ready early, and that they are financially strong enough to collaborate in developing new services and solutions, " added Manjaro.
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