April 8, 2010 - The number of operators that have committed to deploying 3G LTE (long term evolution) networks has more than doubled in the last one year. There are now 64 operators committed to LTE network deployments in 31 countries, according to a new report from GSA. There were 31 network commitments the same time a year ago.

The industry body said a further 24 operators are planning tests or trials of LTE technology, paving the way for further network commitments.

"A total of 88 operators in 42 countries have now committed to deploy LTE systems or are engaged in trials or other planning/preparatory activities. Mobile broadband is a global success, driven by HSPA. While HSPA+ systems are meeting the challenge to deliver higher data capacities today, LTE brings the opportunity for additional spectrum, more capacity, lower cost, and is essential to take mobile broadband to the mass market."said Alan Hadden, president of the GSA, in a statement.

LTE networks are now being installed or planned for commercial service in Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, China, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, The Philippines, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, UAE, USA, and Uzbekistan.

LTE systems were commercially launched in December 2009 in Norway and Sweden by TeliaSonera. The GSA forecasts that up to 22 LTE networks will be in commercial service by end 2010, and expects this figure to grow to 39 or more LTE networks commercially launched by end 2012.

U.S. telco giant Verizon Wireless is also due to roll out LTE services in 2010, and plans to have launched in 25-30 cities by the end of the year. Its closest rival AT&T is expected to go live with its own LTE network during 2011.