HSDPA network launches surge past 50

August 29, 2006

GSA, the representative organisation for GSM/3G suppliers worldwide, announced that there are 117 HSDPA network deployments in 54 countries of which 52 networks have commercially launched services in 35 countries. It means the number of commercial networks has more than quadrupled in 5 months (11 networks had launched by March 24, 2006). Seven networks have launched HSDPA-enabled services in the past 8 weeks. The first HSDPA network entered service only last October.

HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) is the first evolution of WCDMA, which is delivering the full mobile broadband experience for millions of users across the world. For end-users, HSDPA means shorter service response times, faster downloads, and new services. Operators are able to offer advanced services at lower costs, and with increased revenues and profitability. HSDPA is the industry baseline for 3G for the full mobile broadband experience. GSA estimates that by end December 2006 there will be 80 HSDPA networks in commercial service.

HSDPA rollout has been strongly evident in Europe, with 17 of the EU25 countries now delivering commercial HSDPA services, and network deployments planned or underway in a further 5 countries.

Market growth of mobile broadband is supported by the rapidly increasing range and availability of HSDPA-enabled user devices. GSA recently confirmed that 51 HSDPA devices are launched in the market, including 20 mobile phones.

The GSA survey "HSDPA Operator Commitments" is available to download at

www.gsacom.com