Total now approaching 200
Two new surveys from GSA – the Global mobile Suppliers Association – are said to confirm the launch of dozens of new user devices for mobile broadband services enabled by HSPA – High Speed Packet Access, and the rapid evolution of network data speeds.
HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) is the first evolution of WCDMA, delivering shorter service response times, faster downloads, and new services. WCDMA has 73% share of the 200 3G networks launched globally. Operators deploying HSDPA are able to offer advanced services at lower costs, for increased revenues and profitability.
The GSA survey “HSDPA Devices” confirms 196 devices have been launched by 51 suppliers, addressing all segments and comprising 86 mobile phones, 39 PC cards and embedded modules, 34 HSDPA-enabled notebooks, 14 USB modems, 19 wireless routers, 2 Personal Media Players, 1 dual-interface ExpressCard/34 & USB, and 1 HSDPA-connected digital camera. The survey confirms 53% growth in the number of devices launched this year.
Support for all 3G spectrum bands is strong, not only for the widely-deployed 2100 MHz frequency band, but also for 850 MHz as used in Australia and the Americas, and 1900 MHz which is also available in the Americas. The survey confirms over 50 HSDPA devices which operate in the 850 MHz band, typically together with 1900 MHz, and support for tri-band 850/1900/2100 MHz WCDMA-HSDPA operation is becoming increasingly common.
The related GSA survey “HSDPA Operator Commitments” confirms 145 WCDMA network operators in 66 countries have committed to the HSDPA evolution. There are 98 commercial HSDPA networks delivering mobile broadband services today in 53 countries. HSDPA delivers typical user data speeds in the range of 800 kbps to 3 Mbps. The survey confirms 33 networks support 3.6 Mbps (peak). One network has just commercially launched at 7.2 Mbps peak capability, while another has announced its network as being “14.4. Mbps ready”.
37 HSDPA devices including 17 phones support 3.6 Mbps peak data throughput. 10 devices support 7.2 Mbps peak, and 8 products are field upgradeable for 7.2 Mbps peak. 4 devices incorporate HSUPA – High Speed Uplink Packet Access, enabling up to 2 Mbps peak on the uplink.