Long-Term Evolution (LTE), the most sought after next-generation (4G) super-fast wireless communications technology, is gaining rapid momentum worldwide. 4G wireless networks primarily aim to cope with the substantial rise in demand for high-speed wireless data services and mobile video.
According to a recent research report published by the Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), the number of LTE subscribers worldwide has crossed the 1 billion mark for the first time. In the fourth quarter of 2015 alone, LTE subscriptions grew by over 156 million. At this rate, 4G LTE is set to outnumber 3G (all form of 3G technologies) subscribers globally by 2020. GSA further stated that in 2015 alone, 4G LTE generated a net 552.2 million subscription worldwide, reflecting a whopping 107% improvement year over year.
Wireless network standards are continuously evolving around the globe to offer faster speed. Following significant deployment of 4G LTE networks, LTE-A (Long-Term Evolution Advanced) wireless networks are gradually finding solid foothold globally. The GSA report in Jan 2015 stated that there are 480 commercially active LTE networks across 157 countries. The LTE networks are expected to reach 550 by the end of 2016. Currently, there are 116 LTE-A active networks across 57 countries, which constitute more than 24% of total LTE networks worldwide.
LTE-A is a more powerful version of the legacy LTE network offering increased speed and network capacity. Carrier aggregation is the most important part of LTE-A technology as it allows wireless operators to create large spectrum assets by combining different frequency bands. LTE-A also incorporates several technological advancements like Coordinated Multi-Point (CoMP), Self-Optimizing Networks (SON), Small cell enhancements, Enhanced Inter-Cell Interference Coordination (eICIC) and Advanced Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) antenna.
Earlier research on 4G in the Americas stated that the latest version of LTE-A network, which is popularly known as LTE-Advanced Pro (3GPP Release 13) will be a major step toward the smooth transition from 4G to the upcoming 5G network standard. In the U.S., all four national telecom operators, namely, Verizon Communications Inc.
Source: http://www.nasdaq.com/article/4g-lte-lte-a-network-deployment-gain-strong-momentum-cm590116