LTE subscriptions in North America has soared to 22.3 million, a increase of almost 19 million in 12 months at the end of the 3Q 2012. This represents 51 percent of all 43.7 million LTE connections worldwide, reports 4G Americas. 128 commercial LTE networks have been launched in 58 countries to date.

According to a latest small-cell market status report by Informa Telecoms & Media, 98% of mobile operator respondents believe small cells are essential for the future of their networks. Results are based on a survey with 280 respondents from around the world, although focused on Asia, Europe and North America and more than 30% of whom were operators.

Nearly half of all mobile connections in Australia will belong to 4G LTE by mid-2016, reports Telsyte, an Australian independent emerging technology analyst firm. Telsyte estimates 46 per cent of total mobile connections will be 4G by mid-2016 and in some cases will provide an alternative solution to fixed-line broadband.

For efficient heterogeneous network planning, 3GPP LTE-Advanced has introduced concept of Relay Nodes (RNs). The Relay Nodes are low power eNodeBs that provide enhanced coverage and capacity at cell edges.  One of the main benefits of relaying is to provide extended LTE coverage in targeted areas at low cost.

According to latest GSA report, 113 operators have launched commercial LTE networks in 51 countries. Number of operators, investing in LTE, has gone up by 45%  in a year to 360.

GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association) has confirmed that 51 mobile networks in 38 countries have launched HD voice services. 127 phones supporting HD Voice (W-AMR) have been announced so far by 14 manufacturers, report adds. Most of these devices operate on 3G/HSPA networks, with some working on GSM networks and some on LTE networks (VoLTE).

Apple has unveiled fourth generation iPad and new iPad mini with support of additional LTE bands for markets across the world. The new iPad mini features the same number of pixels as the original iPad and iPad 2 to allow apps to work that are designed specifically for iPad.

Latest report from GSA puts number of commercial LTE networks to 105 in 48 countries around the globe. 58 operators have launched commercial LTE services since beginning of year. In total, 351 operators are investing in LTE, which is 41% more than a year ago.

LTE subscriber totals have surpassed WiMAX in 2Q12, reports ABI Research. Report also predicts that LTE handsets will surpass 80-percent of device shipments during 2016.

LTE capable iPhone 5 is 8 percent thinner and 20 percent lighter than iPhone 4S.The new iPhone has 4-inch Retina display, an A6 chip and mobile operating system iOS 6 with over 200 new features.

GSA has confirmed that 96 operators have launched commercial LTE services in 46 countries so far. According to GSA, 347 telecoms operators in 104 countries are committed to commercial LTE network deployments or are engaged in trials, technology testing or studies. 68 operators have launched commercial LTE services in the past 12 months.

Apple's new iPhone may come with LTE capability supporting LTE bands for networks around the world, including Europe, Asia and the United States, according to Wall Street Journal article.

At IFA, in Berlin, Samsung introduced GALAXY Note II last week during Samsung Mobile Unpacked event. The GALAXY Note II features a 5.5” (140.9mm) HD Super AMOLED screen and has 16:9 screen ratio.

LG Electronics has announced a new LTE smartphone, Optimus G, with sleek design and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S4 Pro Quad-Core processor. NTT DOCOMO will be the first to unveil a Japanese edition of the Optimus G. The global version of the device will be launched in Korea in September, followed by other markets worldwide.