Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology is ahead in the race as the most sought after next-generation (4G) wireless network standard in the market. 4G wireless networks are aiming to cope with substantial demand for high-speed wireless data services and mobile video. The growing acceptance of LTE technology has prompted the mobile handset manufacturers to develop phones that will be compatible with this network. Theoretically, LTE is expected to achieve download transmission speeds of 300Mbps and offers several advantages over other wireless technologies.
As of now, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. is ahead in the race. The company is all set to deliver first LTE smartphone in the U.S. for MetroPCS Inc. (PCS) in the second half of 2010. The largest U.S. wireless carrier Verizon Wireless (VZ) is likely to deploy its LTE network in late 2010 and may also offer LTE phone in the first half of 2011. Qualcomm Inc (QCOM), one of the key developers of OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) based chipsets is currently conducting several tests for LTE-compatible chipsets.
Industry sources estimated that although the first LTE handsets may arrive in the market in the second half of 2010, these next-generation smartphones will not reach the mass market before early 2012. NTT DoCoMo (DCM) will launch LTE handsets compatible with its current 3G network in 2011, enabling the customers to access services even if they are outside an LTE coverage area. Meanwhile, Nokia Corp (NOK), the largest mobile phone developer of the world, has also entered the race and is expected to launch LTE-based mobile handsets by 2011.
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Read the full analyst report on “NOK”
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