LTE in Unlicensed and Shared Spectrum.
The use of LTE in unlicensed and spectrum for delivery of LTE services is developing steadily. GSA is aware of 12 network deployments/launches concerning the various unlicensed spectrum approaches (LAA, LTE-U, LWA or LWIP) by ten operators. But interest in the technologies remains high with a total of 40 operators around the world known to be investing in one or more of the technologies. In particular LAA technology is being used in trials designed to deliver Gigabit speed mobile services.
In addition to this, there is growing ecosystem interest and momentum behind the CBRS-shared spectrum approach in the USA. There are dozens of companies reportedly planning CBRS deployments (including those for private enterprise networks). Looking exclusively at the public fixed and mobile operator community, (including those companies offering neutral host and wholesale solutions to other service providers), GSA has been able to identify 16 companies testing the technology.
Those operators planning to start trials or push through on plans will be encouraged by the increasing number of devices that are compatible with or made for LAA and LTE-U networks, with big-name phones being released by several of the leading vendors, as well as the emergence of devices that are compatible with CBRS.
This report is the eighth quarterly report tracking the progress of the key technologies for using LTE in unlicensed and shared spectrum. GSA monitors network trials as well as deployments and the availability of chipsets, modules and devices.
Please contact research@gsacom.com if you have additional information. GSA makes no guarantees that the information is complete, but reasonable efforts have been made to be comprehensive and accurate.
Key data points:
- Thirty-six operators investing in LAA across 21 countries. Eight of these have announced LAA network deployments or launches in six countries.
- Twenty-eight operators are trialling or deploying the technology in 18 countries.
- Eleven operators have announced investments in LTE-U networks. Three LTE-U networks deployed/launched in three countries; eight others have been investing in the technology in the form of trials, or pilots in seven countries.
- One LWA network launched in Taiwan, with two other operators investing in the technology through trials in South Korea and Taiwan.
- One eLAA trial in South Korea.
- Sixteen operators investing in CBRS trials in the USA, one announcement of the commercial launch of a private LTE network using CBRS.
- Twenty-one commercially available modem-containing chipsets supporting unlicensed access.
- One hundred and thirty-three end-user devices either supporting LTE in unlicensed spectrum technology, or shared spectrum using CBRS (including regional variants of devices), from 29 vendors.
GSA Reports are compiled from data stored in the GSA Analyser for Mobile Broadband Devices/Data (GAMBoD) database, which is a GSA Member and Associate benefit. For more information on accessing the GSA GAMBoD database please contact GSA at info@gsacom.com
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