Operators upgrade 3G networks as LTE lags

Many operators cannot wait until long-term evolution is operationally ready, and have already started to upgrade their existing 3G networks to the HSPA (HSDPA and HSUPA) standard, according to ABI Research.

Some 200 networks have upgraded or are in the process of upgrading their 3G networks to HPSA, including more than 50 networks in Asia-Pacific.

 

As of the end of September 2009, 100 mobile networks had LTE trials or commitments to trial underway, but the first LTE networks are only expected to roll out towards the end of 2010.