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138 HSDPA Wireless Networks Now Available Worldwide, Says GSA

4:45 am on October 1, 2007 | Category: Cellular, Telecom Services, Wireless, Wireless Technology

GSM wireless carriers around the world have launched some 138 HSDPA mobile broadband networks in 66 countries, with a further 47 networks currently in development, according to a recent survey by the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA).

The GSA survey confirmed that HSDPA is now available in eight countries in the Americas, twelve in Asia Pacific, nine in the Middle East and Africa, and 37 in Europe, including 26 of the 27 EU member states.

The survey also noted that a strong trend in the evolution of network data speed. Most HSDPA networks begin with peak data speeds of 1.8-Mbps, for a typical downstream bandwidth of 0.8 to 1.5-Mbps. 66 HSDPA networks now offer double bandwidth, however, with peak downlink speeds of 3.6-Mbps.

The number of double-speed HSDPA networks has increased 120% in the past six months alone.

GSA also found that the majority of HSDPA operators have deployed older GSM/EDGE mobile broadband technology as well, for greater service continuity and improved user experience. This allows customers to revert back to older, slower wireless technologies when out of range of an HSDPA signal.

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