A new survey by GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association) confirms  that WCDMA take-up is much faster than GSM was at the same stage of its introduction. The number of 3G/WCDMA networks delivering commercial services today stands at 78 networks in 36 countries, an increase of 18 networks during 2005. A further 5 networks are at the pre-commercial stage. GSA says that 179 WCDMA device models are in the market from 26 suppliers, including 71 products launched this year. The number of WCDMA devices launched has quadrupled over the past 12 months. Approaching three quarters (132) of these devices are for use on WCDMA networks globally, with the remainder (47) are 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 28.34mn globally by end June 2005, an increase of 11.46 million – or 68%, since end 2004.

GSA’s latest survey of GSM/EDGE deployments confirms 44 operators currently operating or deploying combined WCDMA and EDGE networks. The survey says 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. GSA’s survey identifies 126 EDGE-enabled devices announced in the market, covering all segments, an increase of 70 models (125%) in 1H 2005.
www.gsacom.com