NTS Snapshot: April 2021 – Status Update
Network Types
163 operators with launched commercial 5G networks, in 64 countries/territories
As of April 2021 GSA’s data showed:
•There are 809 operators with commercially launched LTE networks (offering broadband fixed wireless access and or mobile services) Within this, GSA has identified:
•423 operators that have launched LTE fixed wireless access services (excludes those offering MiFi/dongle services only)
•748 operators that offer fully mobile LTE services.
•262 operators hold licences to use spectrum suitable for TDD-LTE services, 167 of which are known to be actively using the spectrum (either deploying networks or have launched services).
•361 operators are investing in one or more LTE-Advanced technologies.
•217 operators are investing in LTE-Advanced Pro technologies.
•436 operators in 133 countries/territories are investing in 5G networks in the form of tests, trials, pilots, planned and actual deployments.
•Of those, 163 operators in 68 countries/territories have launched commercial 3GPP-compatible 5G services (either mobile or FWA).
•74 operators are identified as investing in 5G standalone (including those evaluating/testing, piloting, planning, deploying as well as those that have launched 5G SA networks).
Network Features
The NTS database tracks various LTE network technologies:
•4×4 MIMO – 152 operators identified as investing, of which 93 have deployed/launched the technology within their commercial networks.
•256 QAM in the DL – 125 operators identified as investing, of which 79 are known to have deployed/launched the technology within their commercial networks.
And numerous key LTE service features:
•36 operators investing in LAA (9 with deployed/launched networks); 12 operators investing in LTE-U (3 with deployed/launched networks); 3 operators investing in LWA (one launch so far).
•281 operators investing in VoLTE, and 228 operators with launched VoLTE services.
•164 companies investing in NB-IoT, 119 of which have launched services.
•74 operators investing in LTE-M networks, 53 of which have deployed/launched services.
NTS Snapshot: April 2021 – Status Update
WeChat: GSA Express
© GSA 2021
