LTE gained 182 million connections in Q1, that's almost 4 times faster than 3G/HSPA systems, according to a report by the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA).
3G/HSPA subscriptions grew by 48 million while GSM subscriptions fell by 120 million in the same quarter. The number of LTE and LTE-Advanced subscriptions is expected to pass the 3G/WCDMA-HSPA global total in 2020, and possibly sooner. Analysing mobile subscriptions data provided to GSA by Ovum for Q1, GSA said that the number of LTE and LTE-Advanced subscriptions reached 1.29 billion worldwide by 31 March. Over 645 million LTE subscriptions worldwide were gained during the past year, representing 100 percent annual growth.
The Asia region, with over 734 million LTE subscriptions, further grew its share of global LTE subscriptions quarter on quarter to reach 56.9 percent. Asia was second with 56.9, ahead of North America 19.6 percent, Europe 14 percent, Latin American and Caribbean 5.2 percent, and MEA 4.3 percent.
A total of 503 operators have commercially launched LTE systems in 167 countries, according to GSA data announced at the end of May. GSA also said that more than 1 in 3 operators are investing in LTE-Advanced system deployments.
Source: http://www.telecompaper.com/news/lte-subs-double-in-past-year-to-reach-129-bln-in-q1--1147603