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.

The rate of uptake is highly dependent on the availability of 4G devices and the popularity of the iPhone 5 and other 4G smartphones and tablet devices from HTC, Nokia, Motorola and Samsung is accelerating the adoption of next generation mobile service. More than 20 LTE-enabled devices will be available through carriers by the end of this year, says research director Foad Fadaghi.

Telsyte estimates by end of 2016, more than 80 per cent of smartphones sold will be capable of utilizing Australia’s 4G networks.

Telsyte analyst Alvin Lee says while the 1800MHz band is emerging as one of the common LTE bands globally, the auction outcome of 700MHz and 2500/2600MHz spectrum will still affect the future of LTE in Australia.

Lee further adds that more than 30% of Australian of smartphone users are now regularly using over the top (OTT) voice or video call applications, with this figure to accelerate over the coming years.

According to Telsyte, its Australian Mobile Services Market Study 2012-2016 is a comprehensive report which provides subscribers with key market matrix including sizing and forecasts in 2G, 3G and 4G connections, and prepaid versus post-paid connections and 2012-2016 estimates. This report also covers the landscape of Australian mobile services market, with more than 20 companies considered including: Alcatel-Lucent, Amaysim, Apple, Australia Post, China Telecom, Cisco, Dodo, Ericsson, Gotalk, HTC, Huawei, iiNet, Lebara, Microsoft, Motorola, Motorola Solutions, Nokia, Nokia Siemens Networks, Optus, Samsung, Telstra, TPG, Vertel and VHA.