This report summarizes the global status of HSPA+ (HSPA Evolution) network commitments, deployments and commercial launches, according to the latest research by the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) which was completed and published on February 4, 2010.

GSA confirms that 80 operators in 41 countries have committed to HSPA+ network deployments. There are 41 HSPA+ systems in commercial service in 26 countries today.

HSPA+ related charts, graphics etc. for download and use at http://www.gsacom.com/news/statistics.php4

Copyright - Global mobile Suppliers Association

Updates welcome by email to info@gsacom.com

Digital Dividend refers to the spectrum that becomes freed up as a result of the switchover from analog to digital terrestrial TV

Digital Dividend offers an unprecedented amount of spectrum which can be utilized for extending mobile broadband services to all, including to the most rural areas, and to speed up rollout. By applying the Digital Dividend for mobile broadband services, enormous benefits will ensue around the world in terms of social impact and increased productivity

This report provides an update of the present situation around the world regarding the Digital Dividend opportunity, and will be regularly updated.

The ICT sector has a vital role to play in the efforts towards reducing carbon emissions globally and can significantly contribute to overall energy savings across many sectors in the global economy. The mobile communications industry is strongly committed to tackling the issues contributing to climate change.

Mobile Industry Actions Towards Sustainability provides an overview of a wide range of actions being undertaken by the mobile communications industry to become more energy efficient, and the focus on sustainability. A number of examples are presented highlighting a variety of measures which have been taken by the industry to reduce emissions, shows the progress to date, and includes proposals for achieving further reductions in the future.

Future papers by GSA on the theme of sustainability will focus in more detail on some of the individual issues raised in this paper.

Recent announcements including reports from leading mobile network operators confirming mobile broadband traffic and revenue growth enabled by WCDMA-HSPA

Published January 14, 2010

Copyright of Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) www.gsacom.com

Updates are welcome and should be sent to the GSA Secretariat email info@gsacom.com

Join the GSA LinkedIN Group at www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2313721

Improving network efficiencies and evolution of data throughput performance (downlink and uplink) are key trends. This updated Information Paper published by the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) provides an update of current 3GPP mobile broadband systems capabilities, performance and their evolution path, and supporting eco-systems, all drawing upon results and data from various GSA surveys, reports and information papers, including WCDMA-HSPA, HSPA Evolution (HSPA+), EDGE Evolution, LTE, and LTE-Advanced.

Published by the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA)

Evolution to LTE (GSA Information Paper) confirms 51 LTE network commitments in 24 countries

A concise update of the business drivers, objectives and targets for LTE - Long Term Evolution and SAE - System Architecture Evolution, now standardized by 3GPP and soon to enter commercial service, including network operator commitments and deployment/launch plans, trials, the developing eco-system including device/platforms availability, agreement on licensing IPR, performance and interoperability trials results, spectrum requirements and actions, Voice over LTE, and progress concerning the future evolution of LTE for consideration for the ITU IMT-Advanced standard. This report also provides information about the future prospects for TD-LTE. An update on the work of LSTI is also provided

Updated December 10th, 2009

(c) Copyright Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) - www.gsacom.com

Join the GSA LinkedIN Group at www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2313721

World map showing 51 LTE network operator commitments in 24 countries, in PDF file format, based on the status reported in the Evolution to LTE information paper published by GSA on December 10, 2009

This world map of Global LTE commitments is also available as a downloadable JPEG file at www.gsacom.com//downloads/charts/Global_LTE_Commitments.php4

This chart is free to use subject to accrediting GSA as the source.

Overview slide set on LTE FDD and TDD, including the drivers, benefits, business opportunities, standardization, spectrum, network commitments, trials, planned launches, eco-system/devices, LTE-Advanced

Published December 2009 and drawing primarily on the Evolution to LTE Information Paper published by GSA on December 10, 2009 (available at www.gsacom.com)

Copyright - Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA)

315 WCDMA networks have been commercially launched in 132 countries (December 4, 2009).

For a detailed listing of each of the 315 commercial WCDMA networks, please log in and download 3G/WCDMA-HSPA Launches Worldwide
www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/wcdma_databank.php4#3G_WCDMA_HSPA_Launches_Worldwide_041209

This wallchart is also availabled as a JPEG file on the GSM/3G stats/charts page
http://www.gsacom.com/news/statistics.php4

Updated Information Paper researched by the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) and published on December 3, 2009 (revised version updloaded December 13, 2009 which amended the number of commercial networks from 13 to 14), providing a comprehensive overview of the momentum towards deploying 3G/WCDMA-HSPA systems in the 900 MHz band (UMTS900 is also referred to as WCDMA900) for mobile broadband services, showing the benefits and opportunities of deployment of HSPA at lower frequencies, the regulatory position concerning re-farming of 900 MHz spectrum and latest developments, status of technical standards, UMTS900 service launches, network deployment activities and trials worldwide, and confirming the excellent and rapidly growing availability of UMTS900 user devices.

Updates from regulators, network operators, and suppliers are welcome by email to info@gsacom.com

Copyright Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) - 2009

The announcement by GSA of the 7.2 Mbps benchmark prompted the question from a number of industry players about what the next baseline might be, when, and why. In other words, what would be the mainstream mobile broadband technology capabilities – interpreted as meaning more than 100 networks in service, with a supporting eco-system of several hundred user devices in the market.

GSA launched an industry-wide global survey lasting 10 weeks, via its website and on the ground at conferences, etc. to obtain industry views first-hand, from operators, suppliers and other stakeholders in mobile broadband. The results are contained in this report.

Copyright(c) - Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA)

Press release: Industry predicts 21 Mbps to be next mobile broadband baseline – GSA survey
http://www.gsacom.com/news/gsa_286.php4

Presentation by Alan Hadden, President, GSA at the LTE Forum 2009, Lisbon, October 8th, 2009

More about LTE Forum 2009 at www.lteforum2009.com/eng/index-uk.php

Presentation at LTE Forum 2009, Lisbon by Martin Ljungberg, Ericsson
Member of LTE/SAE Trial Initiative (LSTI)
www.lstiforum.org

The LTE/SAE Trial Initiative (LSTI) is a global, collaborative technology trial initiative focused on accelerating the availability of commercial and interoperable next generation LTE mobile broadband systems. The Initiative was formally launched in May 2007 by leading telecommunications companies. Since its inception LSTI has expanded to include 39 members.

This presentation provides an update of their important work, including progress on the Proof of Concept Activity for LTE FDD and TD LTE modes and the key results obtained, Interoperability Testing (IOT) and preparations for the Friendly Customer Trials.

Published by GSA with the kind permission of LTE/SAE Trial Initiative www.lstiforum.org

More about LTE Forum 2009 at www.lteforum2009.com/eng/index-uk.php

Presentation by Alan Hadden, President, GSA at the GSA Mobile Broadband Forum, London, September 22, 2009

Download other papers from the GSA Mobile Broadband Forum at www.gsacom.com/programs/mbf09.php4

More Information about the GSA Mobile Broadband Forum at www.gsacom.com/programs/mobilebroadband.php4

The 3rd Generation (3G) was established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in a programme called IMT-2000 (International Mobile Telecommunications 2000). The Radio Sector of ITU (ITU-R) defined the performance characteristics, established a process for selection, and eventually accepted candidates as part of this family of standards, which included UTRA FDD (WCDMA). In looking to define the next i.e. 4th Generation it is logical that the ITU should again be responsible for establishing the process and ultimately deciding which candidates meet the minimum requirements for acceptance. The process commenced in early 2008 with the invitation to standardization bodies to prepare proposals which the ITU will consider during 2009. The end result will be publication of an ITU recommendation containing a description of the successful radio interface candidates. In parallel to this process, the full standardization of each candidate system will continue in bodies such as 3GPP, which is focusing on the evolution of LTE i.e. LTE-Advanced.

More information is available on the 3GPP website www.3gpp.org/article/lte-advanced

This document summarizes the key drivers and steps towards 4G with 3GPP LTE-Advanced, the timelines for standardization activities, key features and benefits.

Beyond Mobile Broadband; What Is LTE-Advanced & What Will It Offer to Your Network
Presentation given at IIR Mobile Broadband World 2009 by Peter Merz, Head Radio Systems, Nokia Siemens Networks

Developing A Fully Inclusive Mobile Broadband Strategy: Bringing Mobile Broadband To Remote And Rural Areas

Presentation by Dr. Eetu Prieur, Elisa at IIR Mobile Broadband World, London, September 23, 2009

Elisa launched the world's first UMTS900 (HSPA) system in Finland in November 2007 and are now upgrading to HSPA+. In his presentation Dr Eetu Prieur explains why UMTS900 is a 100% clear go

Published with permission of Elisa


Related document: UMTS900 Operator Case Study - Elisa Finland, published by GSA in September 2008
www.gsacom.com/downloads/pdf/GSA_Elisa_UMTS900_Case_Study.php4

Presentation by Alan Hadden, President, GSA at LTE Asia 2009
September 9, 2009

Scope of presentation:

* Introduction to GSA
* Status of the mobile broadband market worldwide
* Network commitments, deployments, launches, eco-system
* LTE network commitments, deployments, prospects
* Spectrum for mobile broadband services
- New spectrum: 2.6 GHz, and sub 1 GHz
- Re-farming: GSM spectrum, and Digital Dividend

(c) Copyright Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA)

LTE Asia 2009 conference was organized by Informa Telecoms and Media

From TD-SCDMA to TD-LTE
- Where we are today
- Next steps
- The role of TD-LTE
- Looking forward

Presentation given by Stephen Hire, Director of Marketing, Aeroflex Asia at the 4G Wireless Broadband Evolution seminar - Hong Kong, September 7, 2009

Jointly organized by GSA and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (www.hkstp.org)

Aeroflex (www.aeroflex.com) is a member organization of the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA)

A GSA Information Paper comprising a 1-page overview and market update on EDGE Evolution, a package of enhancements to GSM/EDGE currently which is standardized by 3GPP as part of Release 7, which will enable bit-rates to over 1 Mbps peak, higher uplink performance, spectral efficiency at least twice as good as today, latency (round trip time) reduced to 80 ms, and generate ARPU growth. Updated July 10, 2009.

Presentation given by Alan Hadden, President, Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) at the CommunicAsia2009 Summit, Singapore Expo, June 18, 2009

Next Generation Broadband Forum program http://www.communicasia.com/NGBF_forum.htm#day2

Synopsis:

Although most mobile broadband networks operate at frequencies around 2100 MHz, the use of lower frequencies such as 900 MHz or 850 MHz would provide larger coverage in rural areas and improved indoor penetration in urban areas. The availability of “digital dividend” spectrum in the 470–862 MHz bands resulting from the migration from analogue to digital terrestrial TV will provide similar opportunities. What’s the status of commercial launches of mobile broadband at lower frequencies and how are regulatory regimes evolving to accommodate these options?

(c) Copyright Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) 2009

From TD-SCDMA to TD-LTE


Presentation given by Stephen Hire, Director of Marketing, Aeroflex Asia at CommunicAsia2009 Summit, Singapore Expo, June 18, 2009

Aeroflex is a member organization of the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA)

Optus is a leader in integrated telecommunications, delivering cutting-edge communications, information technology and entertainment services to the Australian market. The company is a subsidiary of SingTel and provides mobile service to over 7.79 million mobile subscribers across two networks in Australia – a newer, dual-band UMTS900/ UMTS2100 nationwide network, and a nationwide 2G GSM network. As a company known for bringing competition and improved products and services to its customers, Optus commenced building its HSPA-based UMTS900 network in December 2007 which helped it achieve voice and data coverage for 96% of the Australian population by December 2008.

(c) Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA)

Presentation by Alan Hadden, President, Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) at the Informa LTE World Summit, Berlin on May 18, 2009

This short report was presented on behalf of GSA by Mr Jonas Sundborg at 3GPP PCG meeting #22, Kyoto, Japan (April 27, 2009), and covers the following topics:

* Market snapshot (subscriptions, mobile broadband networks and devices - GSM, EDGE, WCDMA-HSPA, HSPA+)

* LTE – status, network operator commitments worldwide, outlook

* Mobile broadband opportunities in spectrum below 1 GHz, including status of UMTS900, and opportunities for mobile broadband as part of the Digital Dividend


GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association) is a Market Representation Partner of 3GPP since 1999

3GPP website: www.3gpp.org

GSA presentation on the GSM Association Digital Dividend Pavilion at this year’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, charting the phenomenal growth of HSPA-enabled mobile broadband globally, and showing how personal broadband for all would become reality by using the Digital Dividend for mobile broadband services.

The ITU World Radiocommunication Conference WRC-07 allocated the upper UHF sub-band of 790-862 MHz to Mobile Service for IMT services use on a Primary basis in Region 1, which includes Europe, Africa, Middle East, Russia, and CIS. These frequencies provide excellent coverage and performance characteristics for extending mobile broadband to rural and semi-urban areas, and also for improving in-building coverage, as proven by several commercial HSPA deployments around the world in the 850 MHz and 900 MHz bands.

The success of mobile broadband and future demand expectations, combined with the existing strong political momentum e.g. in Europe, needs to convert into early decisions by regulators to allocate these frequencies for mobile broadband services. Finland, France, Sweden and Switzerland are the first countries to confirm that they will allocate 790–862 MHz for mobile broadband services. Harmonization of this band for mobile broadband services, and expediency, are key to ensuring lowest costs and fastest time to market.

Mobile broadband service enabled by HSPA - High Speed Packet Access, is a worldwide success. This would not have been possible without suitable and competitive HSPA user devices being available in the market, and a strong and global commitment by the industry.

This 4-page document is a celebration of the HSPA Devices Success Story, showing how their availability has rapidly grown to 1,276 products launched in the market (January 26, 2009), how all market segments are addressed, how performance is continually evolving including faster data rates for both downlink and uplink, the suppliers participating in the market, operating frequencies, and the future outlook, including evolution to HSPA+ and LTE systems.

Key Findings from the most recent GSA HSPA Devices survey (1,409 HSPA Devices launched - March 10, 2009) are available at http://www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/wcdma_databank.php4

The HSPA full product list is available at http://www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/surveys.php4

GSA co-hosted the UMTS900 Workshop at the GSM 3G Middle East conference in Dubai on December 17, 2008 and delivered this latest UMTS900 Market Overview, including new network launches and newly launched UMTS900 devices.

All the other UMTS900 presentations in Dubai, by speakers from Ericsson, HTC, Huawei, Nokia, Qualcomm and UMTS Forum, are available for free view/download at http://www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/dubai_2008.php4

An earlier co-hosted UMTS900 workshop was held in Cape Town on November 20, 2008 (presentations from the Cape Town UMTS900 workshop are available at http://www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/cape_town_2008.php4).

GSA co-hosted the UMTS900 Workshop at the AfricaCom conference in Cape Town on November 20, 2008 and delivered the Market Overview.

Another co-hosted UMTS900 workshop will be held in Dubai on December 17, 2008.

This short report was presented on behalf of GSA by Mr Jonas Sundborg at 3GPP PCG meeting #21, Moscow, Russia (October 6, 2008), and covers the following topics:

- Market snapshot (subscriptions, mobile broadband networks, devices)

- UMTS900

- GSA 10 Years Anniversary

- Current topics and activities

3GPP website: www.3gpp.org

GSA published this new operator case study on Elisa Corporation in Finland which shows significant cost and coverage benefits of deploying 3G services with UMTS900. A wireless pioneer, Elisa established the inaugural GSM network, made the very first GSM call and launched the first GSM service in July 1991. In November 2007, the company continued its groundbreaking role by launching the world’s first UMTS900 network service.

Expert view on the 3G policy for India

Interview for JM Financial given by Mr. TV Ramachandran, Director General, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), with his views on 3G policy and implications for the sector.

Published here with permission

COAI website www.coai.in

Presentation "The Impact of LTE" given by Alan Hadden, President, GSA on June 20, 2008 at the CommunicAsia 2008 Summit, Singapore Expo

High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) technology is evolving, with key improvements in voice and data performance that will make mobile broadband an even better experience. This paper, which was co-written by GSA, Nokia and NSN discusses some important advances using HSPA Evolution (HSPA+) which enhance the end-user experience, especially for users with handheld devices.

Overview of the Dual Transfer Mode (DTM) feature standardized by 3GPP that enables simultaneous voice and data communications using GSM/GPRS/EDGE devices. Includes description of the DTM feature, operator and user benefits, user cases, network implementations, DTM-capable user devices launched in the market, chipsets and test systems

Report: US 700 MHz Spectrum and Auction 73 Results, with Conclusions and Observations

This comprehensive report follows the auction in the US by the FCC of spectrum in the 700 MHz band. The 700 MHz band becomes available as a result of the impending transition to digital TV.

The Auction lasted for 38 days and 261 rounds, raising revenues of USD 19.1 billion (excluding D block), which is almost twice the amount that Congress budgeted. 700 MHz is a global band as defined at WRC 2007, which is suitable for wireless broadband multimedia services and allows global roaming, interoperable applications and economies of scale.

The report was prepared for GSA by Mark Racek, Office of Public Affairs and Regulations, Ericsson Inc., and summarizes the background to the sale, what spectrum was offered, license rules and requirements, the detailed Auction results, and provides key conclusions and observations.

GSA is a Market Representation Partner of 3GPP and a member of its PCG (Project Co-ordination Group)

This short report covers the following:

* Market snapshot, statistics
* WCDMA-HSPA mobile broadband success
* LTE
* How GSA is promoting 3GPP systems

The report was presented on behalf of GSA by Mr Jonas Sundborg at 3GPP PCG meeting #20, Juan les Pins, France (April 22, 2008)

3GPP website: www.3gpp.org

WCDMA systems including HSPA are deployed in the 850, 900, 1700, 1800, 1900, and 2100 MHz bands. WCDMA and HSPA are part of the 3GPP evolutionary roadmap for GSM and being followed by GSM operators worldwide. WCDMA is deployed in 70% of all commercial 3G networks globally.

This short paper provides an overview of the present spectrum situation including developments in the 700, 850, 900 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands, and summarizes the additional spectrum identified by WRC '07

Useful additional resources/links:

GSA Information Paper “UMTS 900”
www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/info_papers.php4

GSA 3G/WCDMA-HSPA Fact Sheet
www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/wcdma_databank.php4#3G_WCDMA_Fact_Sheet

WRC 07 Outcome and some views
www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/info_papers.php4

GSA submission to Ofcom 2GHz, 2.6 GHz spectrum consultation
http://www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/consultation_responses.php4

FCC Auction 73 Fact Sheet
http://wireless.fcc.gov/auctions/default.htm?job=auction_factsheet&id=73#Licenses Offered

Total Telecom recently ran a series of articles by Mary Lenninghan on various Eastern European telecoms markets, following briefings with CEOs of five Telekom Austria subsidiaries. In addition to valuable insight into the featured telecoms operators, the articles provide current information on the shape of the market in Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia. The articles are reproduced here with permission of Total Telecom.

This short presentation summarizes the decisions taken at WRC '07 and the key outcomes for the mobile industry.

Kindly prepared for GSA by Håkan Ohlsén and Lasse Wieweg, Ericsson AB

This Information Paper gives an overview of the NGMN Alliance, covering:
Background and membership, sponsors
Vision and target
Activities

This Information Paper gives an overview of the drivers and industry commitment to standardise a "Common IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem)" in 3GPP, to meet the needs of the fixed, mobile, cable and broadband wireless communities.

Presentation by Alan Hadden, President, GSA at "20 Years of GSM" seminar
Lemesos, Cyprus, March 15-16, 2007

Background to seminar: www.gsacom.com/news/gsa_217.php4

Programme & all seminar presentations: www.3gpp.org/ftp/workshop/2007-03-14_20%20Years%20of%20GSM/Presentation/

Press release: www.etsi.org/pressroom/Previous/2007/2007_03_gsm20yrs.htm

Many governments are working today to develop and implement Universal Access programs for telecommunications and information infrastructure for rural and low-income areas in the emerging markets, including Africa, Asia, India and Latin America. Mobile communications is the most sensible and effective response to bridging the digital divide. The worldwide economies of scale of GSM/EDGE and WCDMA/HSPA technologies enable a continuous reduction in Total Cost of Ownership, so that data services can ultimately be delivered to a mass market. The open standards roadmap, which continues with 3GPP LTE, ensures continuing efficiency and cost benefits.

This paper was submitted for publication in the ITU Telecom World 2006 Forum Proceedings, as background to GSA participation in the Digital Society Panel Session DS-P: Is distance really dead

Presentation by GSA at the (Informa) Ultra Low Cost Handset conference, London

Celebrating 15 years of GSM in commercial service, over 2 billion subscriptions and over 81% share of the worldwide mobile communications market.

Introductory remarks by conference chairman Alan Hadden, President, GSA

Presentation by GSA at the 3GPP PCG Workshop China, Beijing

GSA Report to ETSI General Assembly #47, Nice, 28-29 March 2006

3G/WCDMA Hit the Mainstream in 2005

Chairman's remarks to the IIR HSDPA Implementation Strategies conference, Amsterdam, December 6-7, 2005

Presentation by GSA at IIR 3G World Congress 2005, Hong Kong

Presentation by GSA at IIR "Strategically Deploying EDGE" conference in Barcelona

Focus on Central and Eastern Europe - Keynote presentation by Alan Hadden, President, GSA at NextGen Mobile, Warsaw

Presentation by Alan Hadden, President, GSA at GSM Brasil 2005, Rio de Janeiro

• Evolution to 3G with GSM/EDGE/WCDMA
• Universal access; addressing rural and low ARPU markets profitably

Update on WCDMA network deployments, subscribers globally and devices availability.

The 21st Annual Conference and Trade Exhibition of CANTO (Caribbean Association of National Telecommunications Organizations) was held in St. Kitts (West Indies). The event brought together more than 45 telecommunications organizations from 30 countries of the region. The theme of this year's event was "Telecom Liberalization and the CSME: "Opening New doors" )CSME is short for Caribbean Single Market and Economy). 60 companies exhibited, and in total there were more than 450 participants present. GSA was represented by Peter Reinisch, Vice President who presented an update on the GSM/3G Market, which was well received. The aim of the presentation was to show the dominating role of GSM and its evolution world-wide. It also showed that GSM/3G is essential to strengthen the economy of the CANTO states.

GSA chaired Day 1 of IIR's Strategically Deploying HSDPA conference, 25-28 April 2005, Lisbon - opening remarks by Alan Hadden, President, GSA.

GSA is a 3GPP Market Representation Partner and presented this report to the delegates of the 3GPP Project Co-ordination Group (PCG) meeting in Cancun.
More about 3GPP at http://www.gsacom.com/3gpp/