gsa lte900 status

8/17/2019 GSA LTE900 Status

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This report by the GSA (Global mobileSuppliers Association) gives an overview ofthe status of LTE mobile broadbanddeployments using 900 MHz spectrum (3GPPband 8), the supporting user devicesecosystem, and confirms growing industrytraction for deploying LTE systems in this

band. 17 LTE900 systems are commerciallylaunched in 12 countries and 22% of LTE userdevices can operate in 900 MHz spectrum.962 LTE900 user devices are announced.

© GSA – Global mobile Suppliers Association

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LTE network spectrum options

GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association) monitorsand researches global mobile broadband

developments and publishes facts, statistics,information and trends. GSA confirmed that 480operators have commercially launched LTEnetworks in 157 countries (Evolution to LTE report,

January 25, 2016). There were 1.068 billion LTEsubscriptions globally by December 31, 2015.

Most operators (90%) deployed LTE networks inpaired spectrum using the FDD mode. The LTETDD mode (TD-LTE) for operators with unpaired

spectrum continues to develop in all regions. 71operators i.e. over 1 in 7 of all LTE operators,

commercially launched LTE using the TDD mode in43 countries. The most widely used FDD bands incommercial use in LTE networks are shown below:

The most widely used spectrum for LTE networkdeployments is 1800 MHz (3GPP band 3), used in213 commercially launched networks in 100countries equivalent to over 44% of LTE network

deployments. The next most popular contiguousband for LTE systems is 2.6 GHz (band 7) used in

108 networks. 800 MHz (band 20) is next, used by100 LTE operators i.e. over 1 in 5 LTE operators.

17 operators commercially launched LTE mobilebroadband service in 900 MHz (band 8) spectrum

(LTE900), either as a single band system, or as partof a multi-band deployment, many of which use

LTE-Advanced carrier aggregation technology.

GSA monitors and reports on the status of the LTEuser devices ecosystem, tracking form factors,operating frequencies, mode (FDD and/or TDD),which 3G technologies HSPA/HSPA+ or EV-DO orTD-SCDMA are supported, and other capabilities

e.g. support for higher data throughput (Category 4,6, 9 or higher), VoLTE, and eMBMS. 4,416 LTEuser devices including frequency and carriervariants from 369 suppliers are verified by GSA asannounced, according to GSA’s Status of the LTEEcosystem report published on February 11, 2016.1,770 new LTE devices were added to GSA’s LTE

devices database in the previous 12 months,representing 67% annual growth. The number ofsuppliers increased 34% in this period. LTE devicesaddress all segments – see chart below:

Smartphones are easily the largest device category.2,706 smartphones including operator and

frequency variants are announced, giving animproved 61.2% share of all LTE device types. The

LTE tablet PC segment is also fast-growing. Mostdevices operate in the FDD mode.

1,746 devices can operate in LTE TDD mode (TD-LTE).

The table below summarizes the operatingfrequencies that are most supported by LTEdevices. Several devices are multiband and/or

multimode. Note that the choice of devices in eachband broadly aligns with the bands most used by

operators in their LTE network deployments.

Note 1: Manufacturers have not declared operating frequenciesor fallback modes for some products

Note 2: Certain products are carrier or country specific and aretherefore not available in all markets

LTE FDD

1800 MHz band 3 2,381 devices2600 MHz band 7 2,083 devices2100 MHz band 1 1,927 devices800 MHz band 20 1,247 devices

800/1800/2600 tri-band 1,157 devices AWS band 4 1,009 devices

850 MHz band 5 973 devices900 MHz band 8 962 devices



APT700 band 28 260 devices700 MHz band 12 188 devices

LTE TDD

2300 MHz band 40 1,269 devices

2600 MHz band 38 1,074 devices2600 MHz band 41 998 devices1900 MHz band 39 882 devices3500 MHz band 42/43 56 devices


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900 MHz (3GPP band 8)

900 MHz (3GPP band 8) is used globally for GSMvoice and basic data mobile communications.Technology neutrality licensing enabled 900 MHz tobecome a mainstream spectrum choice for mobilebroadband using HSPA/HSPA+ (UMTS900) withexcellent propagation characteristics for wide area

coverage (in rural areas) and in-building penetration(rural and urban). 100 UMTS900 networks arecommercially launched in 64 countries (GSA: HSPA

Operator commitments report, October 11th, 2015).UMTS900 user devices are mainstream.

900 MHz spectrum is typically limited due to its usefor GSM, however using 900 MHz as an LTE band

is gaining traction amongst operators and the maininfrastructure vendors all offer LTE900 solutions.

17 operators have commercially launched LTE

using 900 MHz either as a single band system, oras part of a multi-band deployment, as listed below:

Country LTE900 operator

Australia Telstra

Czech Republic Vodafone

Hong Kong (China) Smartone

Indonesia Indosat Ooredoo

Indonesia Telkomsel

Indonesia XL Axiata

Liechtenstein Swisscom

Netherlands T-Mobile

Norway Ice.netSingapore Singtel

Slovenia Telekom Slovenije

South Korea KT

Sweden Tele2

Sweden TeleNor

Taiwan Ambit Microsystems

Taiwan Chunghwa Telecom

Taiwan Taiwan Star

Source: GSA’s Evolution to LTE report January 25, 2016

With many GSM licences approaching expiry dates,regulators increasingly allow technology neutralityon renewal, or auction off returned spectrum with

technology neutrality licences.

Many operators are deploying or considering using900 MHz for LTE deployments where feasible toimprove the user experience of mobile broadbandand efficiently use network and spectrum assets.

LTE-Advanced deployments is a key industry trend.Carrier aggregation enables operators to efficiently

combine spectrum assets residing in differentbands, including 900 MHz, with various bandwidths,even relatively small amounts, to increase spectrumallocations and deliver even higher LTE speeds.

900 MHz for LTE: global status

In addition to the above stated 17 LTE900commercial service launches, additionaldevelopments regarding 900 MHz spectrumallocations and usage for LTE systems areindicated below (for full details per operator pleasesee GSA’s Evolution to LTE report published on

January 25, 2016). ALBANIA: In August 2014 regulator Electronic andPostal Communications Authority AKEP approved therefarming of GSM bands (900 MHz, 1800 MHz) for LTE.

ANGOLA: On December 18, 2013 Unitel demonstratedLTE-Advanced carrier aggregation by combining 900MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum on its live network

AUSTRALIA: In February 2013 Telstra announced plansto deploy LTE in re-farmed 900 MHz spectrum – some

sites are running now. In July 2013 Telstra demonstratedcarrier aggregation using 900 MHz and 1800 MHz

spectrum. In July 2014 Telstra announced plans to closeits 2G/GSM network by end 2016.

AUSTRIA: On July 28, 2014 RTR approved proposals by

the incumbent mobile operators to refarm their existingGSM spectrum for 3G and 4G/LTE use.

3 Austria will gain additional 900 MHz spectrum in early

2016 which will be used for coverage enhancement.

BAHRAIN: Batelco, Viva and Zain received permits in

2013 to deploy LTE networks using 900 MHz

BELARUS: More 900 and 1800 MHz spectrum is

expected to be allocated.

BELGIUM: Telenet trialled LTE in 2010 and in June

2011 acquired 900, 1800, and 2100 MHz spectrum.

BULGARIA: 900 MHz is an option for LTE deployment.

COLOMBIA: MinTIC published the conditions for the proposed auction of spectrum in the 700 MHz, 900 MHz,1,900 MHz and 2.5 GHz bands. Comments were

required by June 12, 2015.

CROATIA: HAKOM launched a consultation into use of

900 MHz (and 1800 MHz) for LTE.

CYPRUS: PrimeTel acquired technology-neutral 900,1800 and 2100 MHz spectrum.

DENMARK: Hi3G Denmark has been granted 900 and1800 MHz spectrum, which could be used to deploy 2G,

3G or LTE technologies nationally.

ESTONIA: Tele2 may also deploy LTE in 450 MHz, 900

MHz, and 2.3 GHz spectrum in addition to 2.1 GHZ presently in commercial use.

GERMANY: Regulator BNetz auctioned 270 MHz of 700,900 and 1800 MHz spectrum in 2015. All threeincumbent operators acquired spectrum in these bands.


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Telekom and Vodafone each obtained 20 MHz of 1.5GHz TDD spectrum which can be combined with existing

LTE spectrum assets using carrier aggregation or couldbe used in small cell solutions, or for LTE Broadcast.

GUATEMALA: Regulator SIT said suitable bands for LTEinclude 900 MHz.

HUNGARY: In 2014 NMHH held an auction of 800 MHz,

900 MHz, 1800 MHz & 2.6 GHz spectrum. Results:• Magyar Telekom won 800, 900, 1800 MHz & 2.6

GHz

• Vodafone won 800, 900 MHz & 2.6 GHz

• Telenor won 800, 900 MHz & 2.6 GHz

• DiGi (new market entrant) won 1800 MHz

INDIA: A consultation on November 26, 2015 on possibleauction of 700, 800, 900, 1800 MHz, 2.1, 2.3, and 2.5

GHz. Comments were required by December 28, 2015.

IRELAND: An auction by ComReg in 2012 concluded

with Hutchison 3, Meteor, Telefónica and Vodafone

each receiving 900 MHz spectrum (and 1800 MHz).

JAPAN: Softbank Mobile owns licences to operatemobile systems in 2.1 GHz FDD (band 1), 1.5 GHz (band11) and 900 MHz (band 8). LTE is launched in band 1.

LITHUANIA: Tele2 may deploy LTE in 900 MHz, 2.1 GHzand 2.6 GHz spectrum in addition to its bands currentlyused for LTE.

RRT is consulting on a proposed sale of 900 and 1800MHz spectrum that incumbents can use until October 31,

2017. Comments were required by September 14, 2015.

MALAYSIA: MCMC is consulting on re-farming850/900/1800 MHz.

MOLDOVA: Orange acquired additional spectrum forLTE in 800 MHz and 900 MHz in November 2015.

Moldcell commercially launched LTE for corporate usersusing 2.6 GHz on November 16, 2012. Commercialservice was extended to all customers on December 24,

2012. Moldcell acquired new spectrum licences for usefrom November 6, 2014 continuing use of 900 MHz andbuying new technology-neutral band 3 & band 20

spectrum. Moldcell will abandon using 2.1 GHz and 2.6

GHz. Moldtelecom (Unite ) is expected to receive new900 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum shortly.

NORWAY: Telenor , TeliaSonera and Telco Data eachwon new 900 MHz spectrum in 2013. 900 MHz licencescurrently allocated to Telenor and TeliaSonera expire in

2017. Nkom opened a consultation in June 2015 and published the final conditions in October 2015 concerningthe planned sale of that 900 MHz spectrum (which would

be available for use from January 1, 2018) in 2016.

ROMANIA: Orange, Vodafone and Cosmote obtained

new 900 MHz spectrum. RCS & RDS plans to deploy

LTE900 MHz spectrum, but 3G is the current priorit.

RUSSIA: technology neutrality applies to the 900 MHz

band, following a similar earlier decision for 1800 MHz.

SINGAPORE: M1, Singtel and StarHub announced theywill close 2G/GSM services from April, 2017 with

spectrum to be refarmed for 3G/HSPA and 4G/LTE.Operators’ rights to use 900 MHz expire in April 2017.IDA plans to auction this spectrum and 700 MHz

(APT700). Incentives are proposed to encourage a new player. Bidding is expected to take place in early 2016.

On 28 th

July 2015 Singtel announced commercial launch

of LTE service using 900 MHz within a tri-band 337 MbpsCategory 9 LTE network

SLOVENIA: AKOS auctioned additional 900 MHzspectrum in April 2014 to Si.mobil, Telekom Slovenije,and Tu !mobil.

SOUTH KOREA: In the area where KT provides 20 MHzwideband LTE services, KT also provides 10 MHzmulticarrier service by bringing into use 10 MHz of 900MHz band 8 spectrum. In addition KT is using Carrier

Aggregation to combine 10 MHz B3 and 10 MHz B8 in

the other area where 20 MHz wideband is not used. KT

plans to support 20 MHz B3 combined with 10 MHz B8,subject to availability of UE terminals. KT commercially

launched 3-band 300 Mbps LTE-Advanced service in themajor areas of 85 cities with availability of commercialCat 6 compatible Samsung Galaxy Note 4 phones onJanuary 23, 2015. The LG G Plex2 Cat 6 phone was

offered from January 30, 2015. The 300 MBps servicehad been available from December 28, 2014 for userswith non-commercial terminals to experience the tri-band

carrier aggregation performance. The service combines10 MHz B1 + 20 MHz B3 + 10 MHz B8.

SPAIN: Vodafone plans to refarm 900 MHz for rural

mobile broadband coverage. Additional 900 MHzspectrum was acquired by Vodafone, Telefonica andOrange following an auction. Orange also intends to

soon bring into service refarmed 2.1 GHz, 900 MHz and1,800 MHz spectrum for LTE.

THAILAND: Two 900 MHz licences were auctioned inDecember 2015 and won by True Move and fixedoperator Jasmine (Jas Mobile), the latter planning to

enter the mobile market but subsequently failed to payfor the licence by the deadline thus losing it by default.

TURKEY: BTK auctioned 390 MHz of 800, 900, 1800,

2100 & 2600 MHz LTE spectrum on August 26, 2015. Avea, Turkcell and Vodafone acquired 900 MHz.

UK: operators are allowed to refarm 900 MHz for LTEnetworks. A 3dB increase in maximum transmit powerwhen using 900 MHz spectrum is allowed.

UKRAINE: some operators are seeking technologyneutrality principles for 900 MHz to allow LTE.

URUGUAY: Antel paid for a reserved block of 900 MHzspectrum following an aution in March 2013.

IMPORTANT: Technology neutral 900 MHz licenceshave been granted in many countries. It is possible that900 MHz will be used in LTE network deployments bymany more network operators.


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LTE900 devices

962 LTE900 devices (around 22% of LTE devices)including operator variants are announced.

Source:

GSA’s Status of the LTE

Ecosystem reportFebruary 11, 2016

There are 578 LTE900smartphones which is

equivalent to over 60%share of all LTE900

devices. 98 (i.e. over10%) of LTE900

devices are tablet PCs.

LTE devices analysis with GAMBoD

GSA’s database of 4,416 LTE user devices is

available to users of our GAMBoD analysis tool.GAMBoD - GSA Analyzer for Mobile Br oadband

Devices, is a unique search and analysis tooldeveloped by GSA for mobile broadband devices,

allowing searches of our devices databases bysupplier, form factor, features, peak downlink anduplink speeds, and operating frequency. Results are

presented in list form, or in a spreadsheet or charts.

Charts may be inserted into documents orpresentations, subject to citing GSA as the source.Visit www.gsacom.com/gambod

With GAMBoD-LTE search 4,416 LTE devices by:

• Manufacturer name

• Product model number or name

• Form factor

• FDD spectrum selector bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7,8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 21, 25, 28, 30 and 31.

• TDD spectrum selector bands 38, 39, 40, 41,

42/43 and 44.• Support for Cat 4, 6, 9 and higher terminals

• Support for VoLTE devices

• Support for eMBMS (LTE Broadcast)

• Support for 3G fallback technologies: HSPA,or HSPA+, or DC-HSPA+, or EV-DO, or TD-SCDMA

All 962 LTE900 devices areincluded in GSA’s GAMBoD-LTEdatabase for study/analysis

Note: access to GAMBoD is available only toqualified website users, which GSA define as:

•

registered site users who are employees ofthe GSA Member companies

• registered site users who are employees of

network operators (mobile or fixed)

• registered site users who are employees of“Associate of GSA” enterprises (see below)

In all cases, users must have registered on the GSAwebsite using their corporate email address.

GAMBoD access as an ASSOCIATE of GSA

For non-Member or non-network operatorcompanies

GSA offers medium and large-size enterprises

including consultancies, analysts, manufacturers(non-GSA members), test houses, etc. theopportunity to become an “Associate of GSA” withthe main benefits of receiving a licence for itsemployees worldwide to use the GAMBoD tools anddatabases, and access to all GSA reports includingrestricted reports. “Associate of GSA” is not a GSA

membership category.

The annual fee for an enterprise to subscribe as

an “Associate of GSA” on behalf of all itsemployees is only GBP 2,500.00.

Regulatory authorities can also benefit bysubscribing as an Associate of GSA, therebygaining access to GAMBoD, which allows thosewho are shaping policy to fully appreciatedevelopments, trends and the current status of the

devices ecosystem for mobile broadband services,

including 4G/LTE systems.

Benefits commence on receipt of payment. To applyon behalf of your company to become an Associate

of GSA, thus enabling access for all of youremployees to GAMBoD, please send yourinstructions to [email protected]

Membership of GSA is open to any supplier of products, systems or services related to the mobileindustry and brings many benefits including access to GAMBoD. The range of benefits includes enhanced

discussion, networking and influencing opportunities on the key industry topics, and unique

promotional/visibility opportunities for your company name, capabilities, positioning and messages.

For information about benefits of Membership and annual fee, email to [email protected]


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ABOUT GSA

GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association) represents GSM/EDGE/WCDMA-HSPA/HSPA+, LTE/LTE- Advanced and future 5G suppliers. GSA brings together a global industry community of telecomsprofessionals through its website, reports, information papers and practical activities to inform, influence,educate, explain and promote the opportunities enabled by mobile broadband systems. The GSA websitewww.gsacom.com has over 70,000 registered users for knowledge gathering and information sharing of

key facts, trends and analysis, and over 26,200 connections on GSA’s social network platforms LinkedIn,Twitter and Facebook.

Over 1 million GSA reports, presentations, information papers, maps, charts and other resources weredownloaded from www.gsacom.com in less than five years.

Register for free downloads of reports, information papers, maps, charts, etc. at http://gsacom.com/register/

RECOMMENDED FURTHER READING – sign in to http://www.gsacom.com and follow the links to:

! Evolution to LTE report (restricted to GSA Member companies, network operators and Associateof GSA organizations)

! Status of the LTE Ecosystem report

Free report - sign in to http://www.gsacom.com and follow the link to the latest issue

CONTACTS and LINKS with GSA

GSA Secretariat: Email [email protected]

GSA website: http://www.gsacom.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/gsacom

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Global-mobile-Suppliers-Association-GSA/123462771012551

News/updates RSS Feed: www.gsacom.com/rss/gsanews.php4

GSA LinkedIN group: www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2313721

LTE TDD LinkedIN group: www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=3978061

LTE User Devices LinkedIN Group www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4146472

NOTES:

Errors & Omissions Excepted

Comments to this report or updates by email please to [email protected]

© GSA – Global mobile Suppliers Association

gsa lte900 status

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