The latest report provides a snapshot of global public network and operator activities based on GSA’s GAMBoD database. The report outlines the slowdown in LTE investment, with no public LTE network launches so far in 2026. Currently, there are 843 operators that offer LTE broadband and mobile services, including 445 operators with public fixed wireless access networks.

In 5G, 645 operators across 192 countries are investing in tests, pilots and deployments. Of these, 383 operators in 146 countries have launched commercial 5G services. A total of 94 operators have launched or soft launched a 5G standalone network, and 28 operators are investing in 5G-Advanced for public networks, with seven of these networks launched.

The report provides a snapshot of the development of LTE and 5G networks. To dive deeper into GSA data, explore the GAMBoD database, which has information on spectrum assignments, spectrum pricing, public networks, private networks and more. The members’ report provides data from OpenSignal, including the average 5G download speeds.

Public Networks and Mobile Operators – February 2026

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GSA Research

Mobile industry research is the backbone of GSA activity and covers topics from devices, chipsets and technology, to networks, features and spectrum.

The GSA research team is constantly following market dynamics and activity to ensure the latest data is available to GSA users via the GSA website.

Data is updated monthly and quarterly and can be referenced by users who register for free on the GSA website and download multiple reports, charts and videos of webinars. GSA welcomes any contributions on industry data from mobile operators, vendors and suppliers what want to ensure accurate industry data is shared globally.

GSA GAMBoD Database

GSA reports are based on extensive data contained in the GSA GAMBoD databases, which is a resource available to GSA members and associates. Companies and policy makers can subscribe, as a GSA associate, to gain access to GSA databases and member reports for additional insights into the source data behind reports, which can be used for their own research purposes.

Discounted annual subscription are available to regulators, government agencies and licensed mobile operators.

Please email info@gsacom.com for more information.

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While the eyes of the press have been firmly on 5G, operators have been continuing to invest in their LTE networks, deploying technologies designed to improve the capabilities of their LTE networks and, in particular, to improve peak downlink throughput speeds. They have focused on three technologies from the LTE-Advanced toolkit: carrier aggregation, 4×4 MIMO and 256 QAM modulation in the downlink. If used together and with sufficient aggregated bandwidth, these can deliver maximum peak downlink speeds nearing, and even exceeding, 1 Gbps. Such networks are often described as gigabit LTE networks, mirroring a term also used in the fixed broadband industry.

Drawing on information collected by GSA on operator deployments of LTE-Advanced features for its comprehensive database about operator networks, technologies and spectrum, this report identifies operators investing at a technology level in gigabit LTE — defined as carrier aggregation plus 4×4 MIMO (or above) plus 256 QAM in the downlink. Note that this definition includes 4×4 MIMO and all higher-order MIMO technologies such as 8T8R MIMO and massive-MIMO.

• 336 operators have deployed or launched LTE-Advanced networks in 150 countries and territories
• 337 operators in 143 countries and territories are investing in at least one of the three key gigabit LTE component technologies
• 115 operators in 67 countries and territories are identified as investing in all three key gigabit LTE component technologies
• Of those, 74 operators in 42 countries and territories have deployed all three technologies
• 48 operators, or 13.7% of all the deployed or launched LTE-Advanced networks, can support user-equipment Cat-16 peak theoretical downstream speeds (at least 750 Mbps) or above
• 46 of those have announced gigabit (or very near at 998 Mbps) peak theoretical throughput, or better, in the downlink in their deployed or commercial networks
• Among those, seven can deliver peak maximum throughput of between 1.050 Gbps and 1.2 Gbps (Cat-18). Six have announced parts of their network can deliver a maximum rate in their commercial LTE networks of between 1.2 Gbps and 1.6 Gbps (Cat-19) and one has announced maximum peak downlink speeds in its LTE network of over just over 1.7 Gbps (Cat-20)
• 810 commercially available devices can support LTE speeds at Cat-16 or better

Gigabit-LTE December 2022 Member Report

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GSA Research

Mobile industry research is the backbone of GSA activity and covers topics from devices, chipsets and technology, to networks, features and spectrum.

The GSA research team is constantly following market dynamics and activity to ensure the latest data is available to GSA users via the GSA website.

Data is updated monthly and quarterly and can be referenced by users who register for free on the GSA website and download multiple reports, charts and videos of webinars. GSA welcomes any contributions on industry data from mobile operators, vendors and suppliers what want to ensure accurate industry data is shared globally.

GSA GAMBoD Database

GSA reports are based on extensive data contained in the GSA GAMBoD databases, which is a resource available to GSA members and associates. Companies and policy makers can subscribe, as a GSA associate, to gain access to GSA databases and member reports for additional insights into the source data behind reports, which can be used for their own research purposes.

Discounted annual subscription are available to regulators, government agencies and licensed mobile operators.

Please email info@gsacom.com for more information.

The post Gigabit-LTE December 2022 Member Report appeared first on GSA.

While the eyes of the press have been firmly on 5G, operators have been continuing to invest in their LTE networks, deploying technologies designed to improve the capabilities of their LTE networks and, in particular, to improve peak downlink throughput speeds. They have focused on three technologies from the LTE-Advanced toolkit: carrier aggregation, 4×4 MIMO and 256 QAM modulation in the downlink. If used together and with sufficient aggregated bandwidth, these can deliver maximum peak downlink speeds nearing, and even exceeding, 1 Gbps. Such networks are often described as gigabit LTE networks, mirroring a term also used in the fixed broadband industry.

Drawing on information collected by GSA on operator deployments of LTE-Advanced features for its comprehensive database about operator networks, technologies and spectrum, this report identifies operators investing at a technology level in gigabit LTE — defined as carrier aggregation plus 4×4 MIMO (or above) plus 256 QAM in the downlink. Note that this definition includes 4×4 MIMO and all higher-order MIMO technologies such as 8T8R MIMO and massive-MIMO.

• 336 operators have deployed or launched LTE-Advanced networks in 150 countries and territories
• 337 operators in 143 countries and territories are investing in at least one of the three key gigabit LTE component technologies
• 115 operators in 67 countries and territories are identified as investing in all three key gigabit LTE component technologies
• Of those, 74 operators in 42 countries and territories have deployed all three technologies
• 48 operators, or 13.7% of all the deployed or launched LTE-Advanced networks, can support user-equipment Cat-16 peak theoretical downstream speeds (at least 750 Mbps) or above
• 46 of those have announced gigabit (or very near at 998 Mbps) peak theoretical throughput, or better, in the downlink in their deployed or commercial networks
• Among those, seven can deliver peak maximum throughput of between 1.050 Gbps and 1.2 Gbps (Cat-18). Six have announced parts of their network can deliver a maximum rate in their commercial LTE networks of between 1.2 Gbps and 1.6 Gbps (Cat-19) and one has announced maximum peak downlink speeds in its LTE network of over just over 1.7 Gbps (Cat-20)
• 810 commercially available devices can support LTE speeds at Cat-16 or better

Gigabit-LTE December 2022 Summary

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GSA Research

Mobile industry research is the backbone of GSA activity and covers topics from devices, chipsets and technology, to networks, features and spectrum.

The GSA research team is constantly following market dynamics and activity to ensure the latest data is available to GSA users via the GSA website.

Data is updated monthly and quarterly and can be referenced by users who register for free on the GSA website and download multiple reports, charts and videos of webinars. GSA welcomes any contributions on industry data from mobile operators, vendors and suppliers what want to ensure accurate industry data is shared globally.

GSA GAMBoD Database

GSA reports are based on extensive data contained in the GSA GAMBoD databases, which is a resource available to GSA members and associates. Companies and policy makers can subscribe, as a GSA associate, to gain access to GSA databases and member reports for additional insights into the source data behind reports, which can be used for their own research purposes.

Discounted annual subscription are available to regulators, government agencies and licensed mobile operators.

Please email info@gsacom.com for more information.

The post Gigabit-LTE December 2022 Summary Report appeared first on GSA.

Summary:

Although the eyes of the press have been firmly fixed on 5G developments, operators have been continuing to invest in their LTE networks. They have been deploying technologies designed to improve the capabilities of their LTE networks and, in particular, to improve peak downlink throughput speeds. Operators have been focusing mainly on three technologies from the LTE-Advanced toolkit: carrier aggregation, 4×4 MIMO and 256 QAM modulation in the downlink. If used together and with sufficient aggregated bandwidth, these can deliver maximum peak downlink speeds approaching, and even exceeding, 1 Gbps. Such networks are often described as gigabit LTE networks, mirroring a term also used in the fixed-line broadband industry.

Drawing on information collected by GSA about operator deployments of LTE-Advanced features for its comprehensive database on operator networks, technologies and spectrum, this report identifies operators investing at a technology level in gigabit LTE — defined as carrier aggregation plus 4×4 MIMO (or above) plus 256 QAM in the downlink. Note that “4×4 MIMO or above” includes 4×4 MIMO and all higher-order MIMO technologies such as 8T8R MIMO and massive-MIMO.

• 336 operators have deployed or launched LTE-Advanced networks in 146 countries and territories
• 334 operators in 143 countries and territories are investing in at least one of the three key gigabit LTE component technologies
• 115 operators in 67 countries and territories are identified as investing in all three key gigabit LTE component technologies
  • Of those, 74 operators in 42 countries and territories have deployed all three technologies
• 48 operators (representing 13.7% of all the deployed or launched LTE-Advanced networks) can support user equipment Cat-16 peak theoretical download speeds (at least 750 Mbps) or above
  • 36 of those have announced gigabit (or very near at 998 Mbps) peak theoretical throughput, or better, in the downlink in their deployed or commercial networks
  • Among those, seven can deliver peak maximum throughput of between 1.050 Gbps and 1.2 Gbps (Cat-18). Five have announced parts of their network can deliver a maximum rate in their commercial LTE networks of between 1.2 Gbps and 1.6 Gbps (Cat-19) and one has announced maximum peak downlink speeds in its LTE network over just over 1.7 Gbps (Cat-20)
• 669 commercially available devices can support LTE speeds at Cat-16 or better

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© GSA 2022

https://gsacom.com

GSA Research

Mobile industry research is the backbone of GSA activity and covers topics from devices, chipsets and technology, to networks, features and spectrum.

The GSA research team is constantly following market dynamics and activity to ensure the latest data is available to GSA users via the GSA website.

Data is updated monthly and quarterly and can be referenced by users who register for free on the GSA website and download multiple reports, charts and videos of webinars. GSA welcomes any contributions on industry data from mobile operators, vendors and suppliers what want to ensure accurate industry data is shared globally.

GSA GAMBoD Database

GSA reports are based on extensive data contained in the GSA GAMBoD databases, which is a resource available to GSA members and associates. Companies and policy makers can subscribe, as a GSA associate, to gain access to GSA databases and member reports for additional insights into the source data behind reports, which can be used for their own research purposes.

Discounted annual subscription are available to regulators, government agencies and licensed mobile operators.

Please email info@gsacom.com for more information.

Gigabit-LTE June 2022 Member Report

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Summary:

Although the eyes of the press have been firmly fixed on 5G developments, operators have been continuing to invest in their LTE networks. They have been deploying technologies designed to improve the capabilities of their LTE networks and, in particular, to improve peak downlink throughput speeds. Operators have been focusing mainly on three technologies from the LTE-Advanced toolkit: carrier aggregation, 4×4 MIMO and 256 QAM modulation in the downlink. If used together and with sufficient aggregated bandwidth, these can deliver maximum peak downlink speeds approaching, and even exceeding, 1 Gbps. Such networks are often described as gigabit LTE networks, mirroring a term also used in the fixed-line broadband industry.

Drawing on information collected by GSA about operator deployments of LTE-Advanced features for its comprehensive database on operator networks, technologies and spectrum, this report identifies operators investing at a technology level in gigabit LTE — defined as carrier aggregation plus 4×4 MIMO (or above) plus 256 QAM in the downlink. Note that “4×4 MIMO or above” includes 4×4 MIMO and all higher-order MIMO technologies such as 8T8R MIMO and massive-MIMO.

• 336 operators have deployed or launched LTE-Advanced networks in 146 countries and territories
• 334 operators in 143 countries and territories are investing in at least one of the three key gigabit LTE component technologies
• 115 operators in 67 countries and territories are identified as investing in all three key gigabit LTE component technologies
  • Of those, 74 operators in 42 countries and territories have deployed all three technologies
• 48 operators (representing 13.7% of all the deployed or launched LTE-Advanced networks) can support user equipment Cat-16 peak theoretical download speeds (at least 750 Mbps) or above
  • 36 of those have announced gigabit (or very near at 998 Mbps) peak theoretical throughput, or better, in the downlink in their deployed or commercial networks
  • Among those, seven can deliver peak maximum throughput of between 1.050 Gbps and 1.2 Gbps (Cat-18). Five have announced parts of their network can deliver a maximum rate in their commercial LTE networks of between 1.2 Gbps and 1.6 Gbps (Cat-19) and one has announced maximum peak downlink speeds in its LTE network over just over 1.7 Gbps (Cat-20)
• 669 commercially available devices can support LTE speeds at Cat-16 or better

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WeChat: GSA Express

© GSA 2022

https://gsacom.com

GSA Research

Mobile industry research is the backbone of GSA activity and covers topics from devices, chipsets and technology, to networks, features and spectrum.

The GSA research team is constantly following market dynamics and activity to ensure the latest data is available to GSA users via the GSA website.

Data is updated monthly and quarterly and can be referenced by users who register for free on the GSA website and download multiple reports, charts and videos of webinars. GSA welcomes any contributions on industry data from mobile operators, vendors and suppliers what want to ensure accurate industry data is shared globally.

GSA GAMBoD Database

GSA reports are based on extensive data contained in the GSA GAMBoD databases, which is a resource available to GSA members and associates. Companies and policy makers can subscribe, as a GSA associate, to gain access to GSA databases and member reports for additional insights into the source data behind reports, which can be used for their own research purposes.

Discounted annual subscription are available to regulators, government agencies and licensed mobile operators.

Please email info@gsacom.com for more information.

Gigabit-LTE June 2022 Summary

The post Gigabit-LTE June 2022 Summary Report appeared first on GSA.

About this report

Although the eyes of the press have been firmly fixed on 5G developments, operators have been continuing to invest in their LTE networks. They have been deploying technologies designed to improve the capabilities of their LTE networks and, in particular, to improve peak downlink (DL) throughput speeds. Operators have been focusing mainly on three technologies from the LTE-Advanced tool-kit – carrier aggregation, 4×4 MIMO and 256QAM modulation in the downlink – that, if used together and with sufficient aggregated bandwidth, can deliver maximum peak downlink speeds approaching, and even exceeding, 1 Gbps. Such networks are often described as ‘Gigabit LTE networks’ mirroring a term that is also used in the fixed broadband industry.

Drawing on information collected by GSA about operator deployments of LTE-Advanced features for its comprehensive database on operator networks, technologies and spectrum (NTS), this report identifies operators investing at a technology level in Gigabit LTE (defined as carrier aggregation plus 4×4 MIMO [or above] plus 256QAM DL). Note that ‘4×4 MIMO or above’ includes 4×4 MIMO and all higher-order MIMO technologies such as 8T8R MIMO and Massive MIMO.

• 336 operators have deployed/launched LTE-Advanced networks in 151 countries/territories.
• 335 operators in 142 countries/territories are investing in at least one of the three key Gigabit LTE component technologies.
• 118 operators in 69 countries/territories are identified as investing in all three key Gigabit LTE component technologies.
• Of those, 73 operators in 48 countries/territories have deployed all three technologies.
• Forty-eight operators (representing 13.7% of all the deployed/launched LTE-Advanced networks) can support UE Cat-16 peak theoretical DL speeds (>750 Mbps) or above.
• Thirty-seven of those have announced Gigabit (or very near at 998 Mbps) peak theoretical throughput, or better, in the downlink in their deployed/commercial networks.
• Among those, seven can deliver peak maximum throughput of between 1.050 Gbps and 1.2 Gbps (Cat-18). Five have announced parts of their network can deliver a maximum rate in their commercial LTE networks of between 1.2 Gbps and 1.6 Gbps (Cat-19) and one has announced maximum peak DL speeds in its LTE network over just over 1.7 Gbps (Cat-20).
• 585 commercially available devices can support LTE speeds at Cat-16 or better.

We expect many other networks to achieve Gigabit speeds on their LTE networks, as they refarm or acquire new spectrum resources, invest in higher orders of MIMO technology and implement new carrier aggregation combinations. Operators are still investing in improving their LTE networks, even as they deploy 5G technologies.

Technology context

While there are many features in the LTE-Advanced toolkit, the three of interest in this report are:

Carrier aggregation (CA): the process of aggregating the bandwidths of multiple component carriers to increase bit-rate. Carriers may be in licensed or unlicensed spectrum and may be of varying bandwidths. Varying numbers of carriers may be aggregated.

4×4 MIMO: the use of multiple antennas creating four transmit and four receive radio paths (4T4R) to increase the capacity of a link. Higher-order MIMO (with greater numbers of transmit and receive radio paths) is also being used, including 8T8R and Massive MIMO. In this report, we count all networks using 4×4 MIMO or higher-order versions of MIMO.

256QAM in the downlink: a modulation scheme specified in 3GPP Release 12 and increasingly used in commercial networks. It enables higher data rates by increasing the number of bits of information that can be carried per symbol (though it is more susceptible to noise and interference than lower orders of QAM).

Gigabit-LTE Executive-Summary January 2022

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About this report

Although the eyes of the press have been firmly fixed on 5G developments, operators have been continuing to invest in their LTE networks. They have been deploying technologies designed to improve the capabilities of their LTE networks and, in particular, to improve peak downlink (DL) throughput speeds. Operators have been focusing mainly on three technologies from the LTE-Advanced tool-kit – carrier aggregation, 4×4 MIMO and 256QAM modulation in the downlink – that, if used together and with sufficient aggregated bandwidth, can deliver maximum peak downlink speeds approaching, and even exceeding, 1 Gbps. Such networks are often described as ‘Gigabit LTE networks’ mirroring a term that is also used in the fixed broadband industry.

Drawing on information collected by GSA about operator deployments of LTE-Advanced features for its comprehensive database on operator networks, technologies and spectrum (NTS), this report identifies operators investing at a technology level in Gigabit LTE (defined as carrier aggregation plus 4×4 MIMO [or above] plus 256QAM DL). Note that ‘4×4 MIMO or above’ includes 4×4 MIMO and all higher-order MIMO technologies such as 8T8R MIMO and Massive MIMO.

• 336 operators have deployed/launched LTE-Advanced networks in 151 countries/territories.
• 335 operators in 142 countries/territories are investing in at least one of the three key Gigabit LTE component technologies.
• 118 operators in 69 countries/territories are identified as investing in all three key Gigabit LTE component technologies.
• Of those, 73 operators in 48 countries/territories have deployed all three technologies.
• Forty-eight operators (representing 13.7% of all the deployed/launched LTE-Advanced networks) can support UE Cat-16 peak theoretical DL speeds (>750 Mbps) or above.
• Thirty-seven of those have announced Gigabit (or very near at 998 Mbps) peak theoretical throughput, or better, in the downlink in their deployed/commercial networks.
• Among those, seven can deliver peak maximum throughput of between 1.050 Gbps and 1.2 Gbps (Cat-18). Five have announced parts of their network can deliver a maximum rate in their commercial LTE networks of between 1.2 Gbps and 1.6 Gbps (Cat-19) and one has announced maximum peak DL speeds in its LTE network over just over 1.7 Gbps (Cat-20).
• 585 commercially available devices can support LTE speeds at Cat-16 or better.

We expect many other networks to achieve Gigabit speeds on their LTE networks, as they refarm or acquire new spectrum resources, invest in higher orders of MIMO technology and implement new carrier aggregation combinations. Operators are still investing in improving their LTE networks, even as they deploy 5G technologies.

Technology context

While there are many features in the LTE-Advanced toolkit, the three of interest in this report are:

Carrier aggregation (CA): the process of aggregating the bandwidths of multiple component carriers to increase bit-rate. Carriers may be in licensed or unlicensed spectrum and may be of varying bandwidths. Varying numbers of carriers may be aggregated.

4×4 MIMO: the use of multiple antennas creating four transmit and four receive radio paths (4T4R) to increase the capacity of a link. Higher-order MIMO (with greater numbers of transmit and receive radio paths) is also being used, including 8T8R and Massive MIMO. In this report, we count all networks using 4×4 MIMO or higher-order versions of MIMO.

256QAM in the downlink: a modulation scheme specified in 3GPP Release 12 and increasingly used in commercial networks. It enables higher data rates by increasing the number of bits of information that can be carried per symbol (though it is more susceptible to noise and interference than lower orders of QAM).

Gigabit-LTE January 2022 Member Report

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About this report

Although the eyes of the press have been firmly fixed on 5G developments, operators have been continuing to invest in their LTE networks. They have been deploying technologies designed to improve the capabilities of their LTE networks and, in particular, to improve peak downlink (DL) throughput speeds. Operators have been focusing mainly on three technologies from the LTE-Advanced tool-kit – carrier aggregation, 4×4 MIMO and 256QAM modulation in the downlink – that if used together and with sufficient aggregated bandwidth, can deliver maximum peak downlink speeds approaching, and even exceeding, 1 Gbps. Such networks are often described as ‘Gigabit LTE networks’ mirroring a term that is also used in the fixed broadband industry.

Drawing on information collected by GSA about operator deployments of LTE-Advanced features for its comprehensive database on operator networks, technologies and spectrum (NTS), this report identifies operators investing at a technology level in Gigabit LTE (defined as carrier aggregation plus 4×4 MIMO [or above] plus 256QAM DL). Note that ‘4×4 MIMO or above’ includes 4×4 MIMO and all higher-order MIMO technologies such as 8T8R MIMO and Massive MIMO.

327 operators have deployed/launched LTE-Advanced networks in 147 countries/territories.

329 operators in 139 countries/territories are investing in at least one of the three key Gigabit LTE component technologies.

115 operators in 68 countries/territories are identified as investing in all three key Gigabit LTE component technologies.

Of those, 72 operators in 48 countries/territories have deployed all three technologies.

Forty-two operators (representing nearly 13% of all the deployed/launched LTE-Advanced networks) can support UE Cat-16 peak theoretical DL speeds (>750 Mbps) or above.

Thirty-two of those have announced Gigabit (or very near at 979 Mbps) peak theoretical throughput, or better, in the downlink in their deployed/commercial networks.

Twelve of them have pockets of LTE network capable of delivering the maximum DL speeds supported by Cat-18 devices, i.e. peak theoretical throughput of up to 1.2 Gbps. Six of those have announced parts of their network can deliver a maximum rate in its commercial LTE network of between 1.2 Gbps and 1.6 Gbps (Cat-19).

We expect many other networks to achieve Gigabit speeds on their LTE networks very soon, as they refarm or acquire new spectrum resources, invest in higher orders of MIMO technology and implement new carrier aggregation combinations. Operators are still investing in improving their LTE networks, even as they deploy 5G technologies.

Technology context

While there are many features in the LTE-Advanced tool-kit, the three of interest in this report are:

Carrier aggregation (CA) – the process of aggregating the bandwidths of multiple component carriers to increase bit-rate. Carriers may be in licensed or unlicensed spectrum and may be of varying bandwidths. Varying numbers of carriers may be aggregated. Currently, commercial networks typically aggregate two, three or four carriers.

4×4 MIMO – the use of multiple antennas creating four transmit and four receive radio paths (4T4R) to increase the capacity of a link. Higher-order MIMO (with greater numbers of transmit and receive radio paths) is also being used in trials and live networks, including 8T8R and Massive MIMO. In this report, we count all networks using 4×4 MIMO or higher-order versions of MIMO.

256QAM in the downlink – a modulation scheme specified in 3GPP Release 12 and increasingly used in commercial networks. It enables higher data rates by increasing the number of bits of information that can be carried per symbol (though it is more susceptible to noise and interference than lower orders of QAM).

Gigabit LTE – Member Report – January 2021

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About this report

Although the eyes of the press have been firmly fixed on 5G developments, operators have been continuing to invest in their LTE networks. They have been deploying technologies designed to improve the capabilities of their LTE networks and, in particular, to improve peak downlink (DL) throughput speeds. Operators have been focusing mainly on three technologies from the LTE-Advanced tool-kit – carrier aggregation, 4×4 MIMO and 256QAM modulation in the downlink – that if used together and with sufficient aggregated bandwidth, can deliver maximum peak downlink speeds approaching, and even exceeding, 1 Gbps. Such networks are often described as ‘Gigabit LTE networks’ mirroring a term that is also used in the fixed broadband industry.

Drawing on information collected by GSA about operator deployments of LTE-Advanced features for its comprehensive database on operator networks, technologies and spectrum (NTS), this report identifies operators investing at a technology level in Gigabit LTE (defined as carrier aggregation plus 4×4 MIMO [or above] plus 256QAM DL). Note that ‘4×4 MIMO or above’ includes 4×4 MIMO and all higher-order MIMO technologies such as 8T8R MIMO and Massive MIMO.

327 operators have deployed/launched LTE-Advanced networks in 147 countries/territories.

329 operators in 139 countries/territories are investing in at least one of the three key Gigabit LTE component technologies.

115 operators in 68 countries/territories are identified as investing in all three key Gigabit LTE component technologies.

Of those, 72 operators in 48 countries/territories have deployed all three technologies.

Forty-two operators (representing nearly 13% of all the deployed/launched LTE-Advanced networks) can support UE Cat-16 peak theoretical DL speeds (>750 Mbps) or above.

Thirty-two of those have announced Gigabit (or very near at 979 Mbps) peak theoretical throughput, or better, in the downlink in their deployed/commercial networks.

Twelve of them have pockets of LTE network capable of delivering the maximum DL speeds supported by Cat-18 devices, i.e. peak theoretical throughput of up to 1.2 Gbps. Six of those have announced parts of their network can deliver a maximum rate in its commercial LTE network of between 1.2 Gbps and 1.6 Gbps (Cat-19).

We expect many other networks to achieve Gigabit speeds on their LTE networks very soon, as they refarm or acquire new spectrum resources, invest in higher orders of MIMO technology and implement new carrier aggregation combinations. Operators are still investing in improving their LTE networks, even as they deploy 5G technologies.

Technology context

While there are many features in the LTE-Advanced tool-kit, the three of interest in this report are:

Carrier aggregation (CA) – the process of aggregating the bandwidths of multiple component carriers to increase bit-rate. Carriers may be in licensed or unlicensed spectrum and may be of varying bandwidths. Varying numbers of carriers may be aggregated. Currently, commercial networks typically aggregate two, three or four carriers.

4×4 MIMO – the use of multiple antennas creating four transmit and four receive radio paths (4T4R) to increase the capacity of a link. Higher-order MIMO (with greater numbers of transmit and receive radio paths) is also being used in trials and live networks, including 8T8R and Massive MIMO. In this report, we count all networks using 4×4 MIMO or higher-order versions of MIMO.

256QAM in the downlink – a modulation scheme specified in 3GPP Release 12 and increasingly used in commercial networks. It enables higher data rates by increasing the number of bits of information that can be carried per symbol (though it is more susceptible to noise and interference than lower orders of QAM).

Gigabit LTE – January 2021 – Executive Summary

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The first months of 2020 saw the spread of a novel coronavirus around the globe. Subsequent behavioral changes, due to lockdown restrictions in many countries, caused measurable changes in the usage of both fixed and mobile networks.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) forced an unprecedented number of people all over the world to change their workplace from office to home and become accustomed to new routines in their daily lives. As new digital behaviors are forming, the critical role of communications service providers to support a functioning society with flawless digital communication capabilities in times of crisis has become apparent.

Network traffic and service impact.

As people spent more time online at home, network traffic loads shifted geographically from city centers and office areas to suburban residential areas. The largest share of the traffic increase as lockdowns went into place was absorbed by the fixed residential network, but many service providers also experienced an increased demand on the mobile network.

Networks are dimensioned to support traffic demand during peak hours of usage, which for data traffic normally occurs in the evening. However, the data traffic generated as people worked from home also created additional peak hours of usage during daytime. It was primarily these peak hours of data usage that needed to be supported with a sufficient level of network performance to avoid service quality degradation, e.g. by measures like capacity upgrades, load balancing and traffic optimization.

There are different minimum network throughput requirements for various apps that need to be maintained to provide a service at a specific quality level, such as fast web download times, short video start times and good picture quality. Conversational and bidirectional apps, such as video calling, require at least 1Mbps downlink/uplink throughput, while media consumption could require up to 20Mbps downlink throughput for a good service quality.

The increased data consumption was mainly driven by a rising usage of bidirectional remote work-related apps, such as audio, web and video conferencing, entertainment apps (streaming video and audio), social media and messaging. Networks rising to the challenge A substantial increase in the volume and duration of mobile voice calls across networks – ranging from 20 to 70 percent – was observed in the most impacted regions during the initial lockdown phase.

Mobile data traffic growth was typically moderate, or even negative, ranging from -10 to 20 percent in different networks. However, the traffic increase was unevenly distributed, with some cells experiencing a large increase despite overall moderate or even decreasing traffic growth throughout the network. In markets with limited penetration of fixed residential networks, the mobile data demand increase was especially high. In general, service providers managed to provide sufficient network performance despite changing traffic patterns and increased traffic demand.

In some markets, a contributing factor to mobile data traffic growth was that service providers made temporary changes to data plans and either increased the “bucket size” or allowed unlimited data for a certain period of time.

Ericsson Mobility Report June 2020

© Ericsson 2020

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