Evolution from LTE to 5G: Global Market Status – October 2021
LTE is a global success with over six billion subscriptions, connecting nearly 64% of mobile users worldwide. LTE is specified by 3GPP as a single global standard for paired and unpaired spectrum users. The vast majority of the standard is the same for FDD and TDD. LTE has evolved through various 3GPP technology releases, covering the introduction of LTE-Advanced and then LTE-Advanced Pro, that have significantly improved the capabilities of LTE networks. From 3GPP Release 15 onwards, the community has been defining 5G networks, starting with Non-Standalone 5G systems that integrate with existing LTE networks and then moving on to Standalone 5G systems with substantially different network configurations. GSA’s Evolution from LTE to 5G report provides an independent in-depth status view and analysis of the global 4G/LTE, LTE-Advanced and 5G markets, supported by facts, and confirms technology trends. Information is obtained, analysed and verified by GSA. The report is published quarterly and referenced by industry across the whole ecosystem.
According to GSA’s NTS database, as of end September 2021 there were:
· 907 operators in 243 countries/territories that have stated plans to invest or are actively investing in LTE for public networks, including those evaluating/testing and trialling LTE and those paying for suitable spectrum licences (excludes those using spectrum licences exclusively for 2G or 3G services).
· 796 operators running LTE networks providing mobile and/or FWA services in 240 countries/territories worldwide.
· a total of 283 operators investing in VoLTE in 129 countries/territories, of which 228 have launched commercial VoLTE networks in 108 countries/territories.
· 336 launched LTE-Advanced networks in 151 countries/territories. Overall, 369 operators are investing in LTE-Advanced technology in 159 countries/territories.
· Thirteen launched networks that support user equipment (UE) at Cat-18 DL speeds within limited geographic areas and six of these supporting Cat-19 (in a limited area), and one of those supporting Cat-20 in selected locations.
· 254 operators deploying or operating TDD-based LTE or 5G networks, in sub-6 GHz spectrum.
· 464 operators in 139 countries/territories investing in 5G mobile or 5G FWA/home broadband networks.
· 180 operators in 72 countries/territories who have announced 3GPP-compatible 5G service launches (either mobile or FWA).
GSA has identified 89 operators in 44 countries investing in 5G standalone for public networks in the form of trials, plans, paying for licences, deploying, or operating networks.
Evolution from LTE to 5G: Global Market Status – October 2021
WeChat: GSA Express
© GSA 2021
