The Global Mobile Suppliers Association`s (GSA) high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) devices survey reports 275 products launched so far in 2007, according to the GSA.
This lifts the total to 403 HSDPA-capable devices, and almost five times the number reported in a similar GSA survey in September 2006, the report indicated. The number of suppliers increased from 26 to 80 in the same period.
GSA`s related "HSDPA Operator Commitments" survey, published on 19 October, confirms the major trend of network data speed evolution, it says, by confirming 147 commercial launches of HSDPA networks in 69 countries.
Ninety-two operators have commercially launched or are deploying 3.6Mbps (peak) data capability in their networks as the first phase of a planned evolution, to 14.4Mbps (peak) for many operators, says the report.
According to the GSA, 147 HSDPA devices support or can be upgraded to deliver a downlink capability of 3.6Mbps. Twenty-five HSDPA networks have launched 7.2Mbps (peak) commercial services in 16 countries, and 63 devices have been introduced, which support, or can be upgraded to, a high-speed downlink capability of 7.2Mbps (peak).
While the majority of WCDMA-HSPA systems and devices operate in the internationally designated 3G/IMT-2000 core band spectrum (2 100MHz), the 850MHz frequency band is widely used for mobile services in the Americas, and Australia, the report explains.
The survey confirms 121 HSDPA devices released, which operate at 850MHz, to facilitate the further expansion of mobile broadband services in these key markets.
The survey also notes at least 75 tri-band 850/1900/2100 MHz WCDMA-HSDPA devices are launched, enabling global roaming.
Alan Hadden, president of GSA, said: "These HSDPA surveys by GSA highlight several significant trends. The rapidly expanding mobile broadband services market, enabled by HSPA, is the catalyst for new product launches, innovation, new business opportunities, and more players entering the market.
"Demand for higher downlink data speeds is met today with almost 150 devices capable of supporting at least 3.6Mbps (peak). And the globalisation of HSPA as the de facto mobile broadband system is facilitated by at least 75 tri-band devices enabling services across the globe."
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