Qualcomm Inc (QCOM)

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Number of 3G networks reaches 78 globally

13/07/2005 by Leigh Phillips

http://www.digitalmediaasia.com/default.asp?ArticleID=9029

The number of 3G/WCDMA networks delivering commercial services today stands at 78 networks in 36 countries, an increase of 18 networks so far this year, according to figures from the Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA). A further five networks are at the pre-commercial stage.

The mobile sector trade association also says that WCDMA take-up is much faster than GSM was at the same stage of its introduction

There are now 179 WCDMA device models on the market from 26 suppliers, including 71 products launched this year. The number of WCDMA devices launched has quadrupled over the past 12 months. Around three quarters (132) of these devices are for use on WCDMA networks globally, with the remainder (47) targeted for the NTT DoCoMo FOMA service in Japan.

According to the latest subscriber data from Informa Telecoms & Media, the number of subscribers to WCDMA services reached 28.34m globally as of the end of June, an increase of 11.46m, or 68 per cent, since end 2004.

The GSA also says that there are now 44 operators currently operating or deploying combined WCDMA and EDGE networks and 147 network operators in 81 countries are committed to EDGE deployment. The number of networks delivering commercial EDGE-enabled services has doubled in 2005, now standing at 89 networks in 56 countries, compared to 40 networks at end 2004. There are 126 EDGE-enabled devices announced on the market, covering all segments, an increase of 70 models (125 per cent) in the first half of 2005.