The Juniper Research LTE Mobile Broadband report claims that revenues from LTE mobile broadband subscribers will exceed $70 billion globally by 2014.
Juniper Research found that the technology will create a new connected era for devices such as portable games consoles and digital cameras, with vendors already eyeing the prospects. In this way, LTE will bridge the gap between the mobile and consumer electronics worlds.
However, the report determined that there are several open issues that need addressing before the market takes off. Report author Howard Wilcox cautioned: "LTE will offer broadband speeds of up to 100mbit/s or more: this is at least five times faster than the best mobile broadband now and around 20 times faster than most people experience via fixed DSL. The challenge for mobile operators is how to make profits yet keep prices attractive enough for subscribers to sign up. It's all about the business case."
Further findings include:
- LTE's main markets will be the developed nations of North America, Western Europe, the Far East and China, which together will account for 90% of the market by 2014.
- Mobile commerce and payments, the mobile web and the need to return to economic growth will all drive mobile broadband.
- Although the recession could have short term impact, LTE's longer term prospects should not be adversely affected.