WiMAX Not a Threat to LTE Deployments: In-Stat

In-Stat finds that Long Term Evolution or “LTE (News - Alert)”, the next-generation mobile broadband standard, is the clear choice for the next leap in wireless technology. The research agency thinks that while Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access or “WiMax” appeared to be a competitor for 4G early on, that battle is now largely resolved.

 

In-Stat (News - Alert) finds that the success of 3G networks as well as the High Speed Packet Access and HSPA+ networks has impeded LTE deployments. This is because mobile operators plan to leverage their installed infrastructure the maximum.

 

According to Allen Nogee, In-Stat analyst, LTE deployments still has several “glaring issues.” “These include lack of spectrum, signal-to-noise ratio, and non-established patent and royalty pool.  It’s clear that the shift toward 4G LTE will be gradual and protracted.”

In-Stat says LTE deployments will effectively begin in 2010.  North America and Asia/Pacific will be the first regions to deploy.

 

Verizon (News - Alert) Wireless had announced plans to deploy LTE networks in 20 to 30 markets in 2010, TMCnet reported in May 2009. The company is currently in the process of putting together a 4G LTE network on the Upper 700 MHz C-Block spectrum.  

 

Recently Verizon also announced a Web cast to take a review on the updated specifications for its suite of wireless devices that will be operational on the nationwide 4G LTE network.

 

External clients, such as dongles, network cards, and USB dongles will be the first LTE subscriber devices sold, In-Stat said.  LTE mobile handsets will not start shipping in major volumes until 2012.

 

Though LTE will ultimately become the 4G standard of choice, Mobile WiMax will have more than 5 times as many global subscribers as LTE even by 2013. This is because Wi-Max has become more mature in deployment and has a distinct niche.

WiMAX (News - Alert) deployments have given chipset manufacturers, device manufacturers, and infrastructure suppliers’ real-world experience.

 

The recent In-Stat research, “The Road to LTE Worldwide: Is WiMAX Really the Enemy? ” examines the evolution of 3G to 4G wireless technology. It discusses LTE deployment plans by major operators and by region. The report also provides cellular and mobile LTE subscription forecasts through 2013.