A survey by GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association) of EDGE operator deployments confirms that a growing number of 3G/WCDMA operators are delivering services in combination with GSM/EDGE networks. The survey confirms 61 network operators are deploying or operating combined WCDMA and EDGE networks, compared to 23 one year ago. GSA confirms there are 100 WCDMA networks in commercial service worldwide. A total of 31 combined WCDMA-EDGE networks are in commercial service.
EDGE is a low cost upgrade to GSM packet data networks (GPRS), boosting data speeds to the user by over 3 times to typically 120 - 160 kbps. A number of operators have upgraded their entire GPRS network to ensure national high data rate coverage complemented by WCDMA in the main cities.
The survey also confirms that 185 operators in 96 countries are deploying GSM/EDGE, compared with 128 networks at end 2004 (44% growth). For the first time Europe has more EDGE networks operational or in deployment than any other region, the breakdown being Europe (70 operators), Americas and Caribbean (69), Asia (26) and Middle East/Africa (20). EDGE is being rolled out, or in service in 36 countries in Europe, followed by the Americas/Caribbean (34), Asia (14), and Middle East/Africa (12).
135 GSM/EDGE networks globally have now entered commercial service, i.e. growth of 90% (71 commercial networks end 2004).
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Posted to the site on 31st January 2006
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/15856.php