HSPA Operator Commitments report: 588 networks launched

HSPA Operator Commitments report: 588 networks launched, including 190x 42Mbs DC-HSPA+ and 2x 63Mbps
Published October 11, 2015 – [1.8 MB]
This is the latest report by GSA on HSPA and HSPA+ operator commitments, network deployments, commercial service launches, and trends including evolution, incorporating our research up to October 11, 2015.

The report lists all HSPA and HSPA+ network commitments, deployments and launches worldwide according to GSA research.

HSPA and HSPA+ Networks – Key Facts:

* 600 HSPA operator network commitments in 218 countries/territories
* 588 commercially launched networks in 218 countries
* ALL of the world’s WCDMA operators have commercially launched HSPA service
* Over 70% of HSPA operators have commercially launched HSPA+ systems
* 415 HSPA+ networks are commercially launched in 173 countries
* 190 DC-HSPA+ networks i.e. almost one third of all HSPA networks, are commercially launched in 95 countries
* Two 63 Mbps 3C-HSPA+ networks are commercially launched
* Most 3G/HSPA systems use 2.1 GHz spectrum (3GPP band 1). However UMTS900 is also mainstream: 100 operators in 64 countries commercially launched UMTS900 in either a single band or multiband network deployment

There were over 1.99 billion WCMDA-HSPA subscriptions globally by Q2 2015. Total 3G connections globally are expected to exceed LTE up until 2020. Growing voice traffic relies on 3G as VoLTE solutions are still maturing. GSA estimates that more than 80% of operators continue their 3G investments. Top feature upgrades are DC-HSPA+ (downlink and uplink) and smartphone features (CPC & E-FACH). 3C-HSPA+ (63 Mbps) deployments have begun.

This survey was undertaken by the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), leveraging direct information exchanges between GSA and mobile network operators and between GSA and infrastructure vendors to verify the facts as accurately as possible, together with analysis of public announcements. Errors and omissions excepted.