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Feb 02, 2006

A new survey by GSA - Global mobile Suppliers Association, confirms a massive growth in the number of GSM/EDGE devices launched in the market. The number of GSM/EDGE devices, which covers all market segments and includes phones and PC datacards, has reached 212 models, an increase of 148 in 12 months i.e. 231% growth. The number of suppliers in the market has expanded in the same period from 13 to 33 today.

There are 34 devices launched in the market which support both EDGE and WCDMA. This is a key factor supporting the global rollout of combined WCDMA-EDGE networks. GSA recently confirmed that 61 operators are deploying or operating combined WCDMA and EDGE networks, compared to 23 one year ago.

The GSA survey also identifies 10 devices, comprising 9 PC datacards and one phone, which support GSM/EDGE and WCDMA-HSDPA. This is an important point, as the majority of WCDMA operators are evolving their networks to incorporate HSDPA capabilities for delivering mobile broadband services, which for many includes a complementary GSM/EDGE network for service continuity for the user, and the widest coverage.

GSA also confirms today that 186 operators in 97 countries are deploying GSM/EDGE networks, compared with 128 networks at end 2004 (over 45% growth). A total of 135 EDGE networks are in commercial service in 75 countries, with 64 entering commercial service in 2005 (over 90% growth).

There are 64 combined EDGE-WCDMA networks of which 31 have entered commercial service, meaning that over 30% of commercial WCDMA networks also launched EDGE.