4G TECHNOLOGY will take root in North America and Western Europe this year, with 500,000 new subscriptions forecast for 2010, according to In-Stat.
In its research report 2Q10 Cellular Contracts, Deployments, and Subscriptions Database, the market research firms predicts that it will be at least two more years before the rest of the world begins to embrace 4G technology.
“Among today’s key trends is migration in 3G towards WCDMA and HSPA technology” said industry analyst, Chris Kissel, in a statement. “Continued growth in data usage and competitive pressures will push operators toward the ultimate migration to 4G.”
Additional findings include:
– WDCMA, HSPA/HSPA+ subscriptions will increase by 30% from 2010 to 2014;
– In 2010, CDMA-related technologies will account for 566 million global subscriptions. However, the expansion of CDMA is in doubt as many global operators, including Verizon, begin transitioning to LTE;
– By 2014 Western Europe’s 3G subscriptions will reach 540 million, all WCDMA technology;
– In-Stat has tracked 11 formal LTE contracts granted in 1Q10, but sees this as the beginning of a larger global adoption.
