LTE-to-5G Ecosystem January 2023
LTE is a global success with over 6.6 billion subscriptions, connecting nearly two-thirds 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 frequency-division duplex (FDD) and time-division duplex (TDD). LTE has evolved through various 3GPP technology releases, covering the introduction of LTE-Advanced and then LTE-Advanced Pro, which have significantly improved the capabilities of LTE networks. From 3GPP Release 15 onwards, the community has been defining 5G networks, starting with 5G non-standalone systems that integrate with existing LTE networks and moving onto 5G standalone systems with substantially different network configurations.
This 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 throughout the ecosystem.
Key facts
According to GSA’s NTS database, as of end of December 2022 there were:
- 980 operators in 245 countries and 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. This excludes those using spectrum licences exclusively for 2G or 3G services
- 817 operators running LTE networks providing mobile and/or fixed wireless access services in more than 242 countries and territories worldwide
- 292 operators investing in VoLTE in 132 countries and territories, of which 258 have launched commercial VoLTE networks in 125 countries and territories
- 336 launched LTE-Advanced networks in 146 countries and territories. Overall, 369 operators are investing in LTE-Advanced technology in 159 countries and territories
- 12 launched networks that support user equipment at Cat-18 downlink speeds in limited geographic areas, five of these supporting Cat-19 in a limited area, and one of those supporting Cat-20 in selected locations
- More than 300 operators deploying or operating TDD-based LTE or 5G networks, in sub-6 GHz spectrum
- 515 operators in 155 countries and territories investing in 5G mobile or 5G fixed wireless access or home broadband networks
- 243 operators in 96 countries and territories that have announced 3GPP-compatible 5G service launches, either mobile or fixed wireless access
- 112 operators in 52 countries investing in 5G standalone for public networks in the form of trials, plans, paying for licences deploying, or operating networks
LTE-to-5G Ecosystem January 2023
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© GSA 2023
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