Gartner:Global Mobile Telecom Equip Market To Grow 9% In 04

LONDON -(Dow Jones)- The global mobile network infrastructure market is expected to grow 9% in 2004 according to research company Gartner Inc. (ITB).

Gartner expects the market for mobile network equipment, provided by companies such as Finland's Nokia Corp. (NOK) and Sweden's LM Ericsson Telefon Co. AB (ERICY), to reach $39 billion in 2004 up from $35.9 billion last year.

In Western Europe, revenue is expected to hit almost $9.7 billion, an 8% increase on year, driven by investments in third generation, or 3G, and GSM - Global System for Mobile - networks in the region.

Gartner analyst Jason Chapman said: "Overall, the worldwide mobile network infrastructure market's revenue will remain stable during the next three years, with a slight decline in 2008.

Chapman said price erosion will be higher in 3G than the more mature 2G technologies, although 3G equipment volumes will rise.

From a technology standard point of view, he predicts 3G revenue will exceed that of GSM-related technologies by 2007.

Company Web site: Http://www.gartner.com

-By Nic Fildes, Dow Jones Newswires; 44-20-7842-9264; nicolas.fildes@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires "

Posted to the site on 21st October 2004