4G LTE gated by 3G success, not WiMAX

SCOTTSDALE, USA: Long term evolution (LTE), the next-generation mobile broadband standard, is the clear choice for the next leap in wireless technology, reports In-Stat.

Telcos buck up for LTE; upgrade 3G networks

In-Stat's latest report, 'The Road to LTE Worldwide: Is WiMAX Really the Enemy?', says that LTE deployments will effectively begin in 2010. North America and Asia/Pacific will be the first regions to deploy.

While WiMAX appeared to be a competitor for 4G early on, that battle is now largely resolved. LTE’s deployment will primarily be impeded by the success of 3G networks and HSPA and HSPA+ networks as mobile operators seek to leverage their installed infrastructure.

Allen Nogee, analyst, In-Stat, said: “LTE still has several glaring issues. These include lack of spectrum, signal-to-noise ratio, and non-established patent and royalty pool. It’s clear that the shift toward 4G LTE will be gradual and protracted.”

WiMAX has direct correlative to GDP

While LTE will ultimately become the 4G standard of choice, Mobile Wi-MAX is much more mature in deployment and has a distinct niche. Even by 2013, Mobile Wi-MAX will have more than 5 times as many global subscribers as LTE.

External clients, such as dongles, network cards, and USB dongles will be the first LTE subscriber devices sold.  LTE mobile handsets will not start shipping in major volumes until 2H12. 

WiMAX deployments have given chipset manufacturers, device manufacturers, and infrastructure suppliers real-world experience.