MONTREAL – Approximately 326 million dual-mode (3G + LTE) devices will be activated by 2016, according to new research from Maravedis.
In its report Global 4G Device Forecast 2011-2016 the Montreal-based research firm identifies tablets as one of the “most promising” devices in the 4G device market, and predicts tablet shipments will grow from 46 million in 2011 to nearly 150 million by 2016. Apple iOS is expected to remain the most popular tablet for the coming years, reaching 46% market share by 2016.
"All LTE devices activated during 2010, including USB data cards, modems and notebooks, were single-mode," said Cintia Garza, author of the report, in a release. "However, LTE+3G smart phones have emerged during 2011 as more LTE operators begin to add LTE to their device offering, in particular smart phones whose adoption will be key to LTE uptake."
The report also forecasts that:
– 260 million dual-mode (TD LTE + FDD LTE) devices will be activated by 2016;
– Android will account for 48.5% of the smart phone market, Windows 21% and iPhone (iOS) 16.5% by 2016;
– APAC and Europe will account for the largest number of smart phones and tablets activated by 2016; and
– By 2016, 95% of the tablet installed base will be 3G/4G enabled.
