GSA researched Fact Sheet on the global commercialization and success of mobile broadband enabled by 3G/WCDMA-HSPA systems, with statistics and analysis of trends on network commitments, deployments and launches (WCDMA, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+), subscription growth, the mobile broadband eco-system established for HSPA, HSPA+ devices launched in the market, evolution of downlink and uplink data speeds, UMTS900 and UMTS850 deployments, combined WCDMA-HSPA-EDGE networks, EDGE Evolution, HSPA Evolution (HSPA+), LTE, and mobile broadband spectrum developments including the Digital Dividend opportunity. For latest updates and latest surveys, data and statistics always go to www.gsacom.com

1. 3G/WCDMA-HSPA, LTE Fact Sheet
December 14, 2009
GSA regularly surveys the evolution of mobile to 3G and beyond, and confirms:
315 commercial WCDMA operators in 132 countries
WCDMA is the leading 3G system globally with over 73% commercial networks share
Over 96% of commercial WCDMA operators have launched HSPA service
409 million WCDMA subscribers (Q3 09)
141 million WCDMA subscriptions added in 12 months; 52.8% annual growth
354 HSPA operator commitments in 142 countries
303 HSPA operators commercially launched in 130 countries
Over 78% of commercial HSDPA networks support 3.6 Mbps peak or higher
Over 52%of commercial HSDPA networks support 7.2 Mbps peak or higher
66 HSPA+ network commitments; 37 HSPA+ networks in commercial service
108 operators committed to HSUPA; 96 HSUPA operators launched in 50 countries
14 commercial UMTS900 (HSPA) networks launched; 208 user devices announced
1,875 HSDPA devices launched; 71% annual growth
396 HSUPA devices launched; 159% annual growth
GSA Surveys referenced in this Fact Sheet:
UMTS900 Global Status December 3, 2009 http://www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/info_papers.php4
HSPA Devices Survey December 3, 2009 www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/wcdma_databank.php4
Mobile broadband growth reports December 10, 2009 www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/info_papers.php4
WCDMA-HSPA Launches December 4, 2009, www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/wcdma_databank.php4
HSPA Operator Commitments December 4, 2009 www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/wcdma_databank.php4
Evolution to LTE paper December 10, 2009 http://www.gsacom.com/news/gsa_288.php4
EDGE Fact Sheet July 7, 2009 www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/edge_databank.php4#EDGE_Fact_Sheet
WCDMA subscribers including HSPA
WCDMA subscriptions worldwide, including HSPA, exceeded 409 million at September 30, 2009 (source: Informa
Telecoms & Media). WCDMA (including HSPA) has 75% market share of 545 million global 3G subscriptions. This figure
included more than 167 million HSPA subscriptions at June 30, 2009.
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2. 3G/WCDMA-HSPA, LTE Fact Sheet
December 14, 2009
WCDMA is specified by the ITU as a 3G standard and is
the leading 3G system globally. 315 commercial WCDMA
operators are launched in 132 countries; see “WCDMA-
HSPA Launches Worldwide” survey at www.gsacom.com
Most WCDMA systems operate in the IMT-2000 core
band of 1920 - 1980 MHz paired with 2110 - 2170 MHz.
WCDMA systems including HSPA are deployed already
in several frequency bands: 850, 900, 1700, 1800, 1900
as well as 2100 MHz. ITU WRC-2000 identified 2.50 -
2.69 GHz spectrum as an "IMT-2000 Extension Band".
Licensing of this band for wireless/mobile services has
begun and will continue. Network operators have an
opportunity to expand their business, capacity and
broadband services by acquiring spectrum in this band.
Strong interest is shown by WCDMA-HSPA mobile
device manufacturers to support this band, and WCDMA-
HSPA infrastructure products have been announced.
Mobile communications should be a key beneficiary of the Digital Dividend, which arises from the migration of broadcast
TV services from analogue to digital transmissions. One example is the auction in the USA of 62 MHz of spectrum in the
700 MHz band which will accommodate WCDMA-HSPA and LTE – Long Term Evolution systems. Spectrum in the 700
MHz band will also be auctioned in Canada, and most likely soon in Mexico and in Chile, for example. In Europe, 790 –
862 MHz is identified by ITU as a co-primary band for mobile communications, and several governments are preparing to
allocate this spectrum for mobile broadband services. These lower frequencies offer wider area coverage at lower cost,
and better building penetration, and will assist greatly extension of mobile broadband coverage to rural areas, and thus
reduce the digital divide. A growing number of governments in Europe have committed to allocating Digital Dividend
spectrum for mobile broadband services.
High Speed Packet Access (HSPA)
The path to mobile broadband began with WCDMA and moved to a new baseline with High Speed Packet Access
(HSPA), a 3GPP global standard, with High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) being the first evolution of WCDMA
to boost capacity and user downlink data speeds. HSDPA
delivers advanced mobile multimedia services with typical
user data throughputs of 0.8 – 5.0 Mbps, according to
network and user device capabilities. GSA confirms there are
a total of 354 HSPA operator commitments in 142
countries/territories. 303 commercial HSPA operators have
launched in 130 countries. Over 96% of WCDMA operators
have launched HSPA. The number of HSPA networks in
service tripled in less than 3 years, making it the fastest
adoption of any mobile broadband system. HSPA delivers
fast data access for music/video downloads, file sharing,
large email attachments, web surfing, streaming services,
efficient mobile working and more, and a similar customer
experience to fixed line broadband with the added value of
mobility. For operators, HSPA means improved efficiencies,
lower cost of delivery, increased revenues and profits, and
more competitiveness.
Operators confirm traffic, revenue growth from data/HSPA services – see Mobile Broadband Growth - Reports from
Operators Worldwide (Updated December 10, 2009) at www.gsacom.com
239 live HSPA operators (over 78%) support 3.6 Mbps peak or higher downlink speed. This includes 159 networks (over
52%) supporting 7.2 Mbps peak or higher, thus becoming the benchmark for mobile broadband globally.
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3. 3G/WCDMA-HSPA, LTE Fact Sheet
December 14, 2009
High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA) alleviates uplink capacity bottlenecks, increases data throughput, reduces
latency, and improves the user experience of existing services while also enabling new services for increased user
satisfaction. 96 operators in 50 countries have launched HSUPA service, with another 12 deployments underway.
Uplink speeds are evolving, from the initial 2 Mbps capabilities to 5.8 Mbps which is now becoming increasingly common
today. 37 operators have commercially launched HSPA Evolution (HSPA+) systems – see next page for details.
Industry predicts 21 Mbps to be next mobile broadband baseline – see www.gsacom.com/news/gsa_286.php4
UMTS900, UMTS850 (UMTS = WCDMA/HSPA)
Using of lower frequencies, e.g. 900 MHz or 850 MHz, a much larger coverage footprint compared to 2100 MHz can be
achieved. The 900 MHz band is widely used by GSM systems throughout Europe, Russia, Asia Pacific, the Middle East
and Africa. 3G/HSPA deployment in the 900 MHz band (UMTS900) significantly reduces the number of cell sites needed
to cover rural and suburban areas, meaning substantial CAPEX and OPEX savings for 3G deployments. Many operators
choose a complementary combination of 900 MHz and 2100 MHz; 900 MHz for lower cost wide area coverage, and 2100
MHz for capacity in urban areas. Similar cost and coverage benefits apply to deployments in the 850 MHz band, which
are commercially launched in Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, and some Asian markets. 850 MHz spectrum is also
available in Africa, Russia, and the Middle East. In the
Americas, some operators also utilise the 1900 MHz band
or a dual band 850/1900 MHz combination. In Australia,
Telstra launched the world’s biggest UMTS850 network in
combination with 2100 MHz, while Optus uses the
900/2100 MHz combination. UMTS850 systems leverage
economies of scale and maturity of the HSPA eco-system,
ensuring operators are well positioned for future evolution.
Deployment of WCDMA-HSPA systems in the 900 MHz
band requires regulatory approval in many countries
where this band is reserved for GSM use. Many countries
now permit UMTS900 deployments and regulatory actions
have been taken or are underway in several markets to
remove the exclusivity condition. In Europe the GSM
Directive was recently amended, allowing mobile
broadband (e.g. UMTS-HSPA) to be deployed in the 900
MHz band. Several UMTS900 networks are launched, in
progress, or planned and GSA expects more HSPA
deployments in the 900 MHz band and consequently a realistic opportunity to address the “rural-urban” digital divide.
14 UMTS900 (HSPA) commercial networks are launched:
• Elisa Finland launched the world’s first UMTS900 system on 8 November 2007
• Elisa Estonia launched UMTS900, January 2008
• AIS launched Asia’s first UMTS900 system in Thailand on 6 May 2008
• Optus, Australia launched UMTS900, May 2008
• Mobistar, Belgium launched UMTS900, May 2008
• Vodafone NZ launched UMTS900, July 2008
• Proximus, Belgium launched UMTS900, July 2008
• DNA, Finland launched UMTS900, October 2008
• Siminn, Iceland launched UMTS900, October 2008
• Digitel, Venezuela launched Latin America’s first UMTS900 system, on 2 March 2009
• TeliaSonera, Finland launched UMTS900, June 2009
• Vodafone Australia launched UMTS900 on August 31, 2009
• LMT launched UMTS900 in Latvia on November 10, 2009
• Aero2 launched UMTS900-HSPA+ in Poland on November 16, 2009
208 UMTS900-HSPA devices are launched by 37 suppliers, and more products are continually being introduced.
Updates/developments: GSA Information Paper “UMTS 900 Global Status” www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/info_papers.php4
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4. 3G/WCDMA-HSPA, LTE Fact Sheet
December 14, 2009
UMTS900 Update: New Operator Insights - Presentation by Dr Eetu Prieur, Elisa Finland
Available to view/download at www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/info_papers.php4
UMTS900 operator case study - Optus, Australia www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/info_papers.php4
UMTS900 operator case study – Elisa, Finland www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/info_papers.php4
GSA co-hosted two UMTS900 workshops giving information, practical insights and regional perspectives on the
benefits of deploying WCDMA-HSPA in 900MHz spectrum. The presentations are available as follows:
Cape Town presentations (November 2008): www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/cape_town_2008.php4
Dubai presentations (December 2008): www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/dubai_2008.php4
HSPA Evolution (HSPA+)
Evolved HSPA systems (also known as “HSPA Evolution” or “HSPA+”) are market reality and will continue to evolve to
bring network data rates up to 42 Mbps by the end of 2009 with the transmission of multiple parallel data streams to a
single terminal using Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technologies. MIMO uses multiple transmit and receive
channels and antennas to improve performance and throughput to double downlink data speeds from 14.4 Mbps with
HSPA up to 28 Mbps. With further modifications, data rates can reach 42 Mbps on a 5MHz carrier. For the uplink, using
16 QAM instead of QPSK modulation means doubling the rate to 11.5 Mbps peak.
66 operators have committed to HSPA+ network deployments, and 37 HSPA+ systems are commercially launched.
The world’s first HSPA+ system was launched by Telstra in Australia on February 23rd, 2009. Using 64 QAM
modulation, the network supports a peak downlink data rate of 21 Mbps and a current uplink data rate of 5.8 Mbps.
Telstra plans further evolution of the
downlink to 42 Mbps. Mobilkom
Austria launched the first
commercial HSPA+ system in
Europe on March 23rd, 2009. This
network also supports a peak downlink
data rate of 21 Mbps and will be
upgraded to 28.8 Mbps during this
year. The company is also evolving the
uplink to support 5.8 Mbps this year.
Starhub, Singapore launched Asia’s
first HSPA+ system on March 27th,
2009 and CSL Limited, Hong Kong
followed shortly after. There are 34
HSPA+ systems now in commercial
service using 64QAM enabling 21
Mbps peak downlink, with a typical
user experience up to 8 Mbps
depending on device availability. TIM
Italy launched the world’s first 28 Mbps
peak downlink HSPA+ system utilizing
MIMO on July 17, 2009, followed by 28
Mbps launches by O2 Germany and
Swisscom.
For more details see GSA report: Global HSPA+ Network Commitments and Deployments (December 4, 2009)
which can be viewed/download at www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/info_papers.php4
Further evolution of HSPA utilizing combinations of multi-carrier and MIMO technologies will soon reach 84 Mbps peak on
the downlink, and 23 Mbps peak uplink. Further evolution beyond that is foreseen in 3GPP standardization.
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5. 3G/WCDMA-HSPA, LTE Fact Sheet
December 14, 2009
WCDMA/HSPA and GSM/EDGE combination
GSM/EDGE, a software enhancement to GPRS networks, is a mature global technology supported by a well-developed
ecosystem. Most HSPA network operators deploy GSM/EDGE for service continuity; 233 out of 354, i.e. over 66% of
HSPA network operator commitments have also committed to EDGE, with user data speeds up to 300 kbps, according to
network and user device capabilities. This strategy ensures that users receive a good experience of most 3G services.
There are 478 GSM/EDGE operator commitments in 189 countries, including 443 networks launched in 181 countries.
The first commercial EDGE network was launched in June 2003, and over 80% of GPRS operators have since committed
to the EDGE enhancement, delivering significant data traffic and revenue growth. 80% of HSPA devices support EDGE.
See GSA’ EDGE Fact Sheet (July 7, 2009) at www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/info_papers.php4
Also see related GSA Information Paper “Dual Transfer Mode (DTM)” www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/info_papers.php4
Evolved EDGE
WCDMA evolution to HSPA is the key driver for improving GSM/EDGE to minimize the performance gap. “Evolved
GERAN” (GSM/EDGE Radio Access Network) i.e. EDGE Evolution, aims to achieve several benefits with low impact on
the GSM/EDGE network, as part of the Release 7 specifications which are now approved:
• Downlink speed up to 1.2 Mbps per user initially (the standard enables up to 1.9 Mbps per user)
• Uplink speed up to 474 kbps per user (the standard enables up to 947 kbps per user). EGPRS-2 UL (HUGE) level B
with maximum 118.4 kbps per timeslot. Peak implementation today 4 timeslots per user (standard enables up to 8
timeslots per user)
Dual Carrier is the first step in evolving EDGE and will be available as a software upgrade, bringing the promise of
doubling today’s EDGE speeds to 592 kbps on existing EDGE-capable networks. Dual Carrier is part of the 3GPP
Release 7 standard. Several network vendors have committed to delivering solutions and commercial trials with operators
are foreseen this year. EGPRS-2 is expected to arrive in the market in 2010. Several analysts forecast that the number of
EDGE subscriptions will continue to rise for years to come.
See GSA Information Paper “EDGE Evolution” www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/info_papers.php4
1,875 HSPA Devices Launched in the Market
71% annual growth in the number of HSPA
devices launched
806 mobile phones: 79% increase YoY. The
number of HSPA-enabled notebook products
increased 70% in the same period
1,299 HSPA devices (86%) support 3.6 Mbps
peak or higher (excl. notebooks)
748 devices (approx. 50%) support 7.2 Mbps or
higher (excl. notebooks)
396 HSUPA devices: increase of 159% YoY
156 HSUPA devices (more than 39%) support
or are upgradeable for 5.76 Mbps (compared to
51 products in December 2008)
20 HSPA+ devices launched by 8 suppliers
More information/analysis: HSPA Devices Survey Key Findings (December 3, 2009)
www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/wcdma_databank.php4
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6. 3G/WCDMA-HSPA, LTE Fact Sheet
December 14, 2009
3GPP Long Term Evolution in Radio Access Networks – LTE
3GPP LTE is the next step for a superior mobile broadband experience, and is an evolution of the GSM/UMTS
(comprising WCDMA, HSPA) systems family for the next generation mobile broadband access system. LTE targets
capacity and data rate enhancements to support new services and features requiring higher levels of capability and
performance. Data rates will be significantly higher for downlink and uplink paths, with the necessary network architecture
and technology enhancements. The
new system includes support of a full
IP-based network, and harmonization
with legacy 3GPP systems (GSM,
GPRS/EDGE, WCDMA-HSPA) and
other radio access technologies. LTE
reduces the cost per Gigabyte
delivered, which is essential for
addressing the mass market. LTE will
further enhance more demanding
applications such as interactive TV,
mobile video blogging, advanced
games and professional services.
LTE radio technology is optimized to
enhance networks by enabling
significant new high capacity mobile
broadband applications and services,
whilst providing cost efficient ubiquitous
mobile coverage. LTE is also scalable
to allow operation in a wide range of
spectrum bandwidths, from 1.4 – 20
MHz, using both Frequency Division
Duplex (FDD) and Time Division
Duplex (TDD) modes, thus providing flexibility to suit any operator’s existing or future frequency allocation. LTE and
HSPA are complementary to ensure seamless inter-operability.
51 Operators committed to LTE (see press release www.gsacom.com/news/gsa_288.php4)
LTE is the natural migration choice for GSM/HSPA operators. LTE is also the next generation mobile broadband system
of choice of leading CDMA operators, who are expected to be in the forefront of service introduction. LTE is on track,
attracting global industry support. TeliaSonera launched the world’s first commercial LTE systems in Stockholm
and Oslo on December 15th, 2009 and ahead of schedule. According to GSA research, 51 operators - an increase of
almost 100% over the past 8 months - have committed to deploy 3GPP LTE networks in 24 countries, GSA anticipates
that 19 LTE networks will have entered commercial service by end 2010. GSA also believes that, over time, LTE will be
the choice for many more operators and will be introduced according to business needs. When firm plans are known, they
will be added in as new “commitments”. Dozens of LTE technology trials are underway or planned in all regions and
further commitment announcements are expected from those. Infrastructure solutions shipping today typically offer an
easy upgrade path to LTE. Availability of new spectrum, particularly in the 2.6 GHz and Digital Dividend bands, is a
crucial factor for LTE deployments in many countries, as are regulatory conditions, and will determine deployment and
launch dates in those markets.
Global LTE commitments map (PDF) www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/info_papers.php4
Global LTE commitments map (JPEG) www.gsacom.com/news/statistics.php4
The status of LTE worldwide including network operator commitments, deployment/launch plans, device, platforms
availability, trials results, spectrum, plans for future evolution of LTE for consideration for the ITU IMT-Advanced system
are contained in GSA Information Paper: Evolution to LTE www.gsacom.com/downloads/pdf/lte_3gpp.php4
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7. 3G/WCDMA-HSPA, LTE Fact Sheet
December 14, 2009
LTE/SAE Trial Initiative (LSTI)
Vendors and operators have joined forces under the LTE/SAE Trial Initiative to demonstrate the potential of LTE/SAE
through joint tests, including radio performance, interoperability, field tests and full customer trials. Results feed into
technology developments and standardization, help define/validate network launch plans, and also help to validate the
emerging LTE ecosystem, including devices and applications.
A Proof of Concept activity has consolidated measurements from leading equipment vendors to show that the industry's
targets for performance are achievable: LTE/SAE does exactly what it says on the tin. In addition to peak rates and
minimum latency, results also reveal the 'real world' performance that operators will be able to offer to end users. More
information at www.lstiforum.org
A presentation is available on the GSA website providing an update of the work of the LSTI, including progress on the
Proof of Concept Activity for LTE FDD and TD LTE modes and the key results obtained, Interoperability Testing (IOT) and
preparations for the Friendly Customer Trials.
View/download “Update from the LTE/SAE Trial Initiative” at www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/info_papers.php4
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8. 3G/WCDMA-HSPA, LTE Fact Sheet
December 14, 2009
Download charts used in this Fact Sheet plus many more charts and maps at www.gsacom.com/news/statistics.php4
About GSA
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