3G WCDMA networks rise to 100

December 21, 2005

According to a new survey by GSA - the Global mobile Suppliers Association, six 3G/WCDMA networks have launched commercial services so far this month, pushing the total number to 100 networks in 42 countries. This compares with 60 commercial networks in 28 countries at end 2004, underlining WCDMA as the leading 3G mobile communications system. It means that over two-thirds of the WCDMA license holders worldwide have launched 3G services, demonstrating the maturity of the technology and global market leadership.

WCDMA is an open standard radio access technology which enables the provision of enhanced mobile multimedia services such as music, TV and video, rich entertainment content and Internet access. For operators, WCDMA means high and cost-effective capacity and revenue growth, and is a natural extension of their GSM operations.

WCDMA networks today are serving over 40 million subscribers, an increase of 140% since end 2004, and achieving an average monthly growth exceeding 2.1 million subscribers.

The pace of 3G commercialisation is fuelled by WCDMA. The number of WCDMA networks which have entered commercial service in 2005 is 40, which is over 80% of all 3G networks launched.