Nokia Siemens Networks is the top ranked Vendor in a LTE Base Station Matrix released by ABI Research. Huawei and Alcatel-Lucent claimed the second and third spots in the company’s new evaluation of worldwide LTE base station vendors.

 The Vendor Matrix is an analytical tool developed by ABI Research to provide a clear understanding of vendors’ positions in specific markets. Vendors are assessed on the important parameters of “innovation” and “implementation” across several criteria unique to each vendor matrix.

NSN is the market leader because of its contracts,” comments research analyst Xavier Ortiz, “and due to its high interest in early market research and development. It has positioned itself well without even considering the business that its acquisition of Motorola’s wireless infrastructure division will bring. Huawei, while having a slightly higher score in innovation due to its 4G experience prior to LTE, was behind NSN in the implementation categories. Alcatel Lucent had a well-rounded score, following close behind the top two in both innovation and implementation.”

For this particular matrix, under "innovation," ABI Research examined the vendors’ records in early product development; their LTE R&D investment and commitment; their control of essential LTE intellectual property; and their development of “small cells.” Also included the calculation were vendors’ support for TD-LTE, their WiMAX experience, their support for multiple standards, and the availability of self-organizing networks.