GSA, the Global mobile Suppliers Association, has confirmed that LTE subscriptions are growing faster than any other mobile communications system technology.

GSA, the Global mobile Suppliers Association, has confirmed that LTE subscriptions are growing faster than any other mobile communications system technology. Referring to newly-released data provided by Ovum Ltd, GSA calculated that LTE subscription net additions outpaced 3G/WCDMA-HSPA by 21% during the last 6 months of 2014, with LTE leading in both Q3 and Q4.

According to GSA, there were 497 million LTE subscriptions worldwide by 31 December 2014. A total of 290 million LTE subscriptions were gained in the year, equivalent to 140% annual growth. LTE subscriptions grew by 115 million in Q4, over 36% higher than 3G/WCDMA-HSPA connections. GSM subscriptions fell by 78.5 million in the same period. 

The APAC region increased its share of connections to 47% by end December 2014 compared to 40% in June 2014. North America is the second largest LTE market with 33% of global LTE subscriptions, down from 42.3% in six months previously, while Europe increased its share in the same period from 14.3% to 16% by year end.

GSA further forecasts at least 450 commercially launched LTE networks globally by end 2015, up from 364 that had entered service by the end of last year.