So Far, LTE is About PC Access, More than Phones

According to the  Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), there have been 49 Long Term Evolution network launches so far, and most have launched with an emphasis on PC connectivity, not use of smart phones. There also has been a big emphasis on what might be called fixed line substitution (if there was any widespread fixed line broadband to displace). 


In large part, that reflects the relative paucity of LTE handsets available to sell. 

Some 285 service providers have committed to commercial LTE network deployments or are engaged in trials, technology testing or studies, the GSA reports.

The GSA report also confirms 226 firm commercial LTE network deployments. 

Some 49 LTE networks, which is more than double the number 6 months ago, have launched commercial services in 29 countries: Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, UAE, Uruguay, USA, and Uzbekistan.