LTE Device Numbers Double in 2013 – GSALTE Device Numbers Double in 2013 – GSA

A total of 705 new LTE devices were unveiled in 2013, doubling the number of end-user devices available, according to the latest figures from a leading trade body.

In the latest update to its LTE Ecosystem report, the Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) said that this brought the total of LTE-enabled user devices available to 1,371. The devices were produced by 132 manufacturers -- a 52% increase in terms of vendor numbers over the previous year. (See LTE to Cover Half the Globe by 2017 – GSMA and GSA: Over 1,000 LTE Devices Now Available.)

Smartphones are the largest device category available with LTE capabilities, representing 39% of total LTE devices. (See GSA: 87 Devices Now Support LTE-Advanced .)

Nearly all -- 99% -- of the available devices can operate on both 4G LTE and 3G networks. (See CTIA: Verizon Pushes for Single-Mode LTE.)

LTE TDD devices are also becoming more ubiquitous, according to the trade association. A total of 304 products can now operate in the LTE TDD (also known as TD-LTE) mode, which is 180 more than a year ago. More than 10% of commercial LTE networks have deployed the LTE TDD mode, according to GSA data published earlier this month. (See Defining 4G: What the Heck Is LTE TDD?.)

— Dan Jones, Mobile Editor, Light Reading