Global LTE subscriptions doubled in the past year to reach 1.29 billion, with the standard continuing to grow faster than any other mobile technology, according to the latest GSA figures.
LTE gained 182 million connections in the first quarter of 2016 alone, almost four times faster than the growth of 3G/HSPA systems. LTE subscriptions were added during the quarter at an average rate of 2 million per day, and LTE is now connecting more than one in six mobile subscribers worldwide.
The number of LTE and LTE-A subscriptions are now expected to surpass the 3G total by 2020 if not sooner, the GSA said.
APAC increased its lead as the largest LTE market, growing to over 734 million subscriptions for a total share of 56.9%. China alone had over 511 million subscriptions by March, adding 96.3 million during the quarter. The US was second with a 19.6% share, compared to third-placed Europe's 14%.
As of the end of May, around 503 operators have commercially launched LTE in 167 countries, with the GSA forecasting that this will grow to 550 commercially launched networks by the end of the year.
More than one in three operators are investing in LTE-A deployments, and around 25% of LTE operators have commercially launched LTE-A.