Manufacturers increase 3G/WCDMA devices rollout

09.01.2006
According to a survey by the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), manufacturers are launching 3G/WCDMA devices onto the market in record numbers.

The GSA survey -- 3G/WCDMA Model Variety and Availability -- shows that a total of 272 WCDMA user devices (handsets, PC data cards, etc.) have been rolled out.

This compares with 108 products one year ago, giving growth of over 150 percent. A total of 93 devices have been launched since mid-2005, giving growth of more than 50 percent in the last six months.

The number of suppliers who have launched WCDMA products has almost doubled in 12 months, from 20 to 37.

80 percent of WCDMA devices in the market today are targeted for the global 3G market, compared to 73 percent six months ago, the remainder being focused on the FOMA market in Japan.

The survey identifies several FOMA devices that are also compatible with WCDMA/GSM/GPRS networks worldwide to support international roaming.