Samsung ITM Whitepaper Final FP

Deploying LTE in
Europe
Sponsored by
Contents
About the author............................................................................................................... 3
Introduction....................................................................................................................... 4

Market overview...........................................................................................................................................4
LTE in Europe...............................................................................................................................................4
Deploying LTE in Europe................................................................................................... 5

MS-BTS.........................................................................................................................................................6
Overlay..........................................................................................................................................................6
LTE deployment drivers in Europe................................................................................... 7

Conclusion......................................................................................................................... 9
Appendix............................................................................................................................ 9

Industry survey.............................................................................................................................................9
MS-BTS deployments................................................................................................................................................. 9
LTE overlay...............................................................................................................................................................10
Network-economics modeling................................................................................................................... 10
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About the author
Principal Analyst , Dimitris Mavrakis

Area of expertise: IMS, mobile access network technologies, femtocells, backhaul, network APIs.
As LTE is being deployed throughout the world, mobile operators are finding it hard to strike balance between network
investments, new pricing schemes and increasing traffic. Several initiatives are being deployed, including capacity
upgrades, optimization, offload and policies to tackle all of these challenges.
Dimitris Mavrakis is a principal analyst with Informa Telecoms & Media. He is part of the Networks team where he covers a
range of topics including Next Generation Networks, IMS, LTE, WiMAX, OFDM, core networks, network APIs and identifying
emerging strategies for the mobile business.
Dimitris is also actively involved in Informas consulting business and has led several projects on behalf of Tier-1 operators
and key vendors.
Dimitris has over 12 years experience in the telecommunications market. He has a strong background in mobile and fixed
networks and an in depth understanding of market dynamics in the telecoms business. In the past, Dimitris has worked as
a project leader to perform challenging network measurements and has lead a team of researchers to produce pioneering
research and acclaimed publications.
Dimitris has been working for Informa since 2005. In the past, Dimitris has worked as a project leader to perform mobile
network field tests and has lead a team of researchers to produce pioneering research and acclaimed publications during
his academic career.
Dimitris holds a PhD in Mobile Communications and a MSc in Satellite Communications from the University of Surrey.
Contributor
Phillip Marshall, Tolaga Research
Tolaga delivers actionable research for the mobile broadband industry. This research is anchored with extensive market,
technology and regulatory databases that span 190 countries and its Market Explorer platform. The platform uses a
systems based approach to technology and market modeling. Tolaga was established in 2009 and is headquartered in
Massachusetts, USA.
www.tolaga.com
Introduction
Market overview
garnering success, and there is rising
availability of LTE smartphones are
demand for mobile data services and
helping the technology expand rapidly.
LTE has seen arguably the fastest
smartphones all influences that
growth of any mobile network
promote the adoption of LTE. Initial
Europes mobile market has several
technology deployed so far. With
end-user feedback indicates that LTE
unique properties that make LTE
more than 74 networks live in more
services have been well received and
deployments in the region stand out.
than 30 counties, covering every
that the higher-speed, lower-latency
Network sharing is widespread
populated continent, LTE is enjoying
network offers serious advantages
in the EU, and several operators
the most successful launch of
compared with previous networks.
now share parts of their network
any mobile technology in history,
in a passive or active mode. There
with the most swiftly deployed
are discussions in certain markets
networks. There is a proliferation
LTE in Europe
of LTE-enabled devices in attractive
about regulating network sharing,

which would force operators to
form factors and at desirable price
Despite the success of LTE in many
share part or all of their networks.
points, and nearly all LTE handsets
Asian markets and the US, its
Although network sharing reduces
are smartphones, which provide
growth has been slower in Europe
costs, the strategy, governance and
operators with more opportunities
due to regulation, license-auction
integration involved often make it a
for profitability. According to
delays and the wide and dense
Informa Telecoms & Medias LTE
deployment of HSPA networks.
forecasts, there were 62 million LTE
TeliaSoneras LTE network in
bands in Europe appear to be
subscribers at end-December, and
Sweden was the worlds first to be
800 and 2600MHz and 1800MHz,
this number is expected to increase
turned on, in December 2009, but as
which seems to be considered a
to 133 million in just a year.
of June 2011 the country had fewer
key global LTE band. Operators
complex task.
LTE spectrum: The key LTE
than 10,000 subscriptions. This
generally prefer lower bands,
However, this kind of success does
slow growth was due largely to the
which have better propagation
not come without challenges: Ninety
fact that only portable LTE devices
characteristics, meaning that
percent of the LTE market is held by
(USB dongles and MiFi units) were
they can offer good coverage with
five operators, and certain regions
available, at higher pricing than 3G.
fewer cell sites. Some operators
are lagging due to reasons including
Nevertheless, TeliaSonera reports
have already been awarded
unclear regulation and spectrum-
that deploying LTE first was the
spectrum, some are waiting
license delays. Nevertheless, certain
most brand value accretive action
for spectrum auctions before
operators are providing learning
we have taken, and other LTE
they begin to deploy LTE, and
experiences for the whole market,
early adopters have made similar
some are attempting to refarm
the leaders being Verizon Wireless,
statements.
existing spectrum, such as the
AT&T and those in South Korea,
1800MHz band, which has been
where operators have already
The European market has its own
used for 2G/3G. Existing unpaired
deployed LTE to cover almost all of
peculiarities, as do most global
spectrum assets might also be
the population.
regions. Densely deployed HSPA
used for TD-LTE networks in the
networks, saturated markets, a
future. Unlike in regions that have
LTE has arrived at an appropriate
fragmented spectrum landscape
clearer conventions for spectrum
stage of the evolution of mobile
and the wide availability of fixed
use such as the US, where LTE
operator business: Users are
networks have made the rollout of
is in the 700MHz band Europe is
becoming more aware of the benefits
LTE throughout the region slower, but
fragmented, and some spectrum
of data services, OTT applications are
rises in the demand for data and the
auctions have yet to take place.
3G-network density: Countries in
mobile operators, since spectral
There have been several notable
Western Europe and several in
and network efficiency is a key
LTE-network launches in Europe
Eastern Europe are characterized
concern as the market becomes
(see fig. 1).
by dense HSPA deployments,
more data-centric.
which have provided adequate

capacity for mobile subscribers.
Fig. 1: Notable European LTE-network launches
But deploying LTE has been
Operator (country)
considered a strategic objective,
TeliaSonera (Sweden)
Dec-09
USB dongles and MiFi only
and several operators have started
Vodafone (Germany)
Dec-10
Rural deployment first
Yota (Russia)
Dec-11
Wholesale network
2600MHz
EE (UK)
Oct-12
Only UK LTE network
1800MHz
deploying it without clear visibility

of pricing models and business
opportunities. As of 2013, LTE has
become a major objective of all
Launch date
Details
Band
800/1800/2600MHz
800/2600MHz
Source: Informa Telecoms & Media
Deploying LTE in Europe

Mobile operators have been skeptical
in parallel with modernization efforts,
have taken steps to optimize their
about the value proposition of
especially in cases where aging legacy
infrastructure before deploying LTE
LTE, especially due to the fact that
2G/3G networks were increasing
networks, mainly by consolidating
monetization of 3G came much later
total cost of ownership (TCO) and
existing 2G/3G infrastructure into
than expected and was challenged by
modernization offered an opportunity
a single platform, often referred to
license costs, low technology maturity
for cost savings. Fig. 2 illustrates a
as a Multi-Standard Base Station
and overall slow development of the
decision tree when deploying LTE and
(MS-BTS) platform. But MS-BTS
ecosystem. These factors have since
with different options operators could
platforms deployed for 2G/3G might
been addressed, however, and the
take advantage of to deploy LTE.
require considerable investment
LTE ecosystem is seeing healthy
to upgrade to LTE, which requires
growth across chipsets, devices and
A major factor inhibiting LTE
new antennas, Remote Radio Units
network infrastructure, alleviating
deployments in Europe and other
(RRUs) and manual installations.
operator concerns.
areas, including Japan and South
Costs are even higher when using
Korea is the presence of widely
4G spectrum that does not overlap
Apart from deployments that are
deployed legacy networks. With the
with 2G/3G frequencies. For
driven by regulation, LTE networks in
aim of reducing the cost of running
example, 2.6GHz LTE deployments
Europe have primarily been developed
legacy infrastructure, operators
often require new RRUs, antennas,

baseband units, manual upgrades
and, most likely, new cell sites to
Fig. 2: LTE-deployment options for legacy networks
LTE deployment
satisfy coverage requirements,

boosting the deployment cost
Legacy 2G/3G
network
MS-BTS for
2G/3G
Add LTE payload

in MS-BTS
Add LTE
overlay
an MS-BTS deployment.
This white paper discusses two
MS-BTS for
2G/3G/LTE
considerably despite the existence of
options for deploying LTE: Multi

Standard Base Stations (MS-BTS)
and LTE overlay, which refers to
adding new equipment at cell sites
for LTE. An operator choosing to
simultaneously. Assuming that an
share RRUs between 2G, 3G and
deploy LTE with a legacy 2G/3G
MS-BTS is providing service for
LTE for the same frequencies
network has several possible paths
different technologies, the following
after refarming. In most cases,
to choose from.
elements are usually deployed:
new RRUs are necessary to
Integrated baseband unit (BBU):
enable LTE in existing MS-BTS
Although overlay usually refers
The baseband unit is responsible
to specific additional equipment
for processing and converting
used to enable an air interface, the
digital signals. It is usually in the
antennas are band-specific and
infrastructure could be an MS-BTS
form of an upgradable platform,
need to be upgraded if LTE is
with specific functionality enabled,
where new cards (or blades)
deployed in new frequencies.
which can enable modernization of
can be introduced to cater for
the network in later stages while
increased utilization or new
satisfying the current need for a
protocols. Typical MS-BTS BBUs
quick LTE rollout.
may be made compatible with
In overlay deployments, new
LTE through software upgrades,
hardware is installed in existing
though in many cases a hardware
base stations without affecting
upgrade is necessary due to the
the existing infrastructure or
increased functionality required by
network operation. The operator
LTE eNodeBs.
is able to procure equipment from
MS-BTS
MS-BTS platforms are deployed
deployments.
Antennas: Similar to RRUs,
Overlay
Remote Radio Unit: The RRU
any vendor, not just the existing
operate in similar frequencies and
includes RF equipment and
MS-BTS provider. The following
at the same cell sites. For the most
converts digital signals to RF for
figure illustrates a brief comparison
part, vendors have accordingly
transmitting, and vice versa for
of MS-BTS and overlay deployments
chosen names for their technologies
receiving. RRUs are band-specific,
for European networks (see fig. 3).
that reflect the fact that a
meaning that new LTE frequencies
single base station can provide
need new radio units. But there
Both deployment strategies
service for different technologies
are some cases where networks
offer specific advantages and
when several networks have to
disadvantages, and the decision

Fig. 3: Comparison of LTE-deployment strategies
Bevnefits
Challenges
of which to use is affected by
LTE overlay
Single RAN
several parameters, including LTE
Speed of deployment
Lower site rental cost
spectrum, legacy-network age,
No network disruption
Lower power comsumption
whether a modernized network
Lower capex
Cell-site simplification
has been fully depreciated, vendor
Potentially higher opex
Requires existing network renewal

(downtime and potential disruptions,
additional optimization and training)
Multiple platforms to manage
Vendor lock-in
relationships and many others. But

the European market is now at a
stage where an overlay is becoming
a valid competitor to MS-BTS
platforms for LTE deployment.
LTE deployment drivers in Europe

Several operators have already
Fig. 4: What is the most important benefit of deploying an MS-BTS platform?
modernized their existing networks,

35
2G and 3G deployments. Many of
30
these modernizations have taken
25
20
15
12
a decommissioning fee, which can be

substantial especially if considering
stand-alone (non-MS-BTS)
platforms. In many cases, mobile
Other
(please specify)
cannot be removed without suffering
alone platforms until they are fully
10
Hardware reuse
for different air
interfaces
5
Lower CAPEX
and/or OPEX
might not be fully depreciated and
operators continue to operate stand-
12
10
Ability to support
future spectrum
refarming
As such, these modernized networks
30
Lower site costs

(including power)
900MHz, 1800MHz and 2.1GHz bands.
31
Network
simplification
one platform
to manage
place over the last five years, in the
Response (%)
with a focus on reducing opex for
Note: Responses from survey of 112 European operators.

depreciated, after which they might

be considered for replacement.
Fig. 5: Forecast cumulative gain in net present value of an LTE overlay relative to MS-BTS
800
reductions in capex and opex are the

advantages most frequently cited by
European operators for deploying
LTE through an MS-BTS platform
(see fig. 4).
An overlay decouples modernization
NPV gain (US$ mi.)
Simplification of the network and
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
12
18
24
efforts from network deployment,

which results in a faster and less
disruptive network rollout and might
also delay modernization. Operators
30
36
42
48
54
60
66
72
Simulation month
Dominated by the
negative impact of
multi-standard RAN
upgrade
Dominated by the positive impact of reduced power consumption,

OA&M and ground lease costs for multi-standard RAN
with aggressive LTE deployments

have reported that traffic over their
Source: Informa Telecoms & Media, Tolaga Research 2013
3G networks is declining in favor

of LTE, which in turn reduces the
of TCO will come from upgrades,
in many cases lower than that of an
pressure to modernize. A simpler
which applies to both MS-BTS and
MS-BTS (see fig. 5).
network deployment is also a
overlay cases. Moreover, adding
major advantage in markets where
functionality to a platform that is
Another major operator concern
regulations and permissions for
already operating and providing
is vendor lock-in, which is a
work at cell sites are strict.
connectivity to subscribers might
considerable commitment with most
lead to unplanned downtime,
MS-BTS platforms. An operator
Although opex savings can be
which might be considered a risk.
becomes tied to the vendors strategy,
achieved by consolidating 2G/3G
According to Informas financial
including infrastructure upgrades,
and LTE base stations, the majority
modeling, the cost of an overlay is
which usually keep pace with market
developments but could fall short due
Network sharing is a major force
sharing pose a considerable
to changes in vendor strategy.
behind network deployments,
challenge for operators. In cases
and its importance is expected
where operators are already
Reliability of the network and vendor
to increase. Active sharing
participating in active-sharing
lock-in are among the top concerns
arrangements provide the most
arrangements, they need to jointly
related to MS-BTS deployments
economic benefits but require
decide to upgrade the platform to
cited by European operator
operators to be in similar market
new technologies, including LTE.
respondents to our industry survey
positions, e.g., using similar
In many cases, an overlay strategy
(see fig. 6). Another major concern
bandwidth and frequencies. Passive
is considered a more effective
linked to vendor lock-in is financial
sharing is expected to be more
option, enabling each operator to
stability, in cases where several
popular, because the integration,
meet its strategic objectives without
vendors are subject to hostile
governance and cultural and
having to wait for its active-sharing
market environments and their
strategic issues linked to active
partners to move in parallel.
future is not clear.

Fig. 6: What is the most important challenge when deploying an MS-BTS platform?
The biggest advantage of a network

overlay is speed of deployment. It is
35
usually much faster than deploying
30
an MS-BTS and replacing legacy
25
19
20
15
12
competitive advantage. A quick
0
Complete
vendor
lock-in
in many cases gives it a major

deployment also gives operators
extra time to consider the strategic
impact of an LTE network, which is
especially useful when considering
Other
(please specify)
10
May require
significant upgrades
for additional air
interface (e.g. new
spectrum)
LTE services the soonest, which
27
Reliability issues
an overlay, the operator can offer
33
Downtime required
for replacing
existing network
infrastructure
networks. By deploying LTE through
Response (%)
the value proposition of LTE

in Europes volatile economic
environment.

Conclusion
Our research, modeling and survey
Europe are expected to follow
Other benefits of an overlay include
illustrate that LTE overlay is
similar steps and include overlay
not being locked in to a single
considered a viable alternative to
as an element of LTE-network
vendor, a lack of network disruption,
MS-BTS. Several operators across
deployments.
greater reliability and, in many cases,
the world, especially in the US,
a financial advantage over MS-BTS.
Japan and Korea, have deployed
Many of their counterparts in
LTE by overlaying on existing
Eastern Europe are expected to
Both deployment strategies
infrastructure and, in many
follow, given that LTE adoption
offer specific advantages and
cases, have enjoyed a competitive
in that region is slower than in
disadvantages, and the decision of
advantage by being first to market.
the more developed markets of
which to use is affected by several
Many operators in Western
Western Europe.
parameters.
Appendix
Industry survey
operators and 43 hybrid operators,
This is somewhat expected, since
with both fixed and mobile assets.
operators in Western Europe expect
To gauge market perception of LTE
Asked if they had an LTE network
faster take-up of LTE services due
launch strategies and understand the
live or pending launch, a staggering
to higher demand for mobile data,
state of European networks, Informa
96.3% of European operators
and they rely on a faster deployment
has launched an industry survey that
answered in the affirmative, with
strategy. The results illustrate that
includes broader questions regarding
only 3.7% stating that they are not
developed markets are more likely to
LTE. Those that are relevant to this
planning to launch LTE. Method of
rely on overlay deployments for LTE.
study are presented here.
deployment was evenly split among
MS-BTS deployments
the three options (see fig. 7).

The survey had 442 respondents,
Questions about MS-BTS platforms
of which 112 were operators
Western European operators were
revealed that cost savings and
based in Europe. Of these operator
biased toward overlay and those in
network simplification are the major
respondents, 68 were mobile
Eastern Europe toward MS-BTS.
incentives for operators to take such

an approach. The ability to reuse
hardware for future technologies
Fig. 7: What is the primary deployment mode for your LTE network?
Only using small cells
1%
was cited by surprisingly few
Other (please specify)

4%
respondents, as was support for
Replacing a legacy 2G/3G

network with a MS-BTS platform
supporting LTE as well
31%
Overlaying LTE in an existing

network deployment
32%
future refarming efforts.

Regarding the challenges of
deploying LTE through a MS-BTS
platform, the most operators
cited vendor lock-in and network
Adding LTE in an existing MS-BTS deployment

32%
downtime. Future upgrades scored

only 12%. The responses about
MS-BTS deployments imply that even

though the technology is usually

positioned by vendors as futureproof, meaning it offers cost savings
Fig. 8: What is the biggest benefit of deploying LTE through an overlay?

35
30
not take that into account. And

23
25
they do not appear to consider the

19
20
additional costs of introducing new

15
15
air interfaces a major challenge for

10
10
MS-BTS, indicating that they are

Other
(please specify)
consolidate legacy networks rather

Legacy network
is tried and tested
Lower CAPEX
compared to
Single RAN
deploying these base stations only to

Higher
network
reliability
5
No 2G/3G
service
interruption
Response (%)
on future hardware, operators do
32
than to cater for future technologies.
LTE overlay
Respondents cited service interruption
and network reliability as the main
benefits of an LTE overlay (see fig. 8).
Other answers included the ability to
When asked for the most important
due to specific market and operator
deploy LTE at any time rather than in
technical aspect of an LTE network,
conditions, overlay appears to be
parallel with a modernization effort
an overwhelming 60% chose cell
a viable deployment method for
coupled with MS-BTS.
throughput, and when asked which
LTE despite the trend for network
future capability of the technology is
modernization and platform
The need to manage multiple
the most important, 36.8% answered
consolidation.
platforms and interoperability
LTE-Advanced, followed by VoLTE,
problems with the existing core
with 30.3%.
network were the most frequently
Network-economics
modeling
cited challenges when deploying
The survey results chime with the
an overlay (see fig. 9), with a rise
analysis findings presented above
in opex and the need for multiple
and reflect the market state in
A simulation model was developed
vendor relationships cited by fewer
Europe. Although each deployment
to compare the economics
respondents.
must be considered independently,
of MS-BTS and overlaid LTE

architectures, based on a real
operator in a leading European
Fig. 8: What is the biggest benefit of deploying LTE through an overlay?
market and using the following

35
At the time of the LTE
23
25
implementation, the 2G/3G
19
20
radio equipment had already
15
15
10
10
been modernized and operated

multicarrier RF equipment.
Other
(please specify)
Legacy network
is tried and tested
2013 and assumed that an LTE
Lower CAPEX
compared to
Single RAN
The simulation started in January
Higher
network
reliability
5
No 2G/3G
service
interruption
Response (%)
general assumptions:
32
30
overlay had commenced six

months earlier. The simulation
covers a six-year period.
The network consists of 2G
GSM/EDGE, 3G UMTS/HSPA
and 4G/LTE. The 2G GSM/EDGE

network uses 24.8MHz of 900MHz

and 10MHz of 1800MHz radio
Fig. 9: What is the biggest challenge when deploying LTE through an overlay?
30
spectrum. UMTS/HSPA operates

in the 2.1GHz 3G band with 20MHz
30
bandwidth. LTE operates in the
24
25
Response (%)
800MHz band with 20MHz, the
19
20
1800MHz band with 30MHz and

15
15
12
10
the 2600MHz band with 40MHz.

The LTE network is deployed
initially to maximize coverage and
expanded into higher frequency

Other
(please specify)
Legacy network is
tried and tested
Lower CAPEX compared

to Single RAN
Higher network
reliability
0
No 2G/3G service
interruption
10
bands according to capacity

demands.
Mobile traffic is estimated on
a per-device basis for nonsmartphones and smartphones,
and connected tablet, laptop
and e-reader devices. A general
category is used to estimate
11
Fig. 10: Forecast subscriber and network traffic over six years
Downlink network bandwidth
HSPA(+)

UMTS

GSM/EDGE
600
1800
500
1500
400
1200
300
900
200
600
100
300
12
18
24
30
36
42
48
56
60
66
Average data traffic

per user (Mbps/mo.)

(Gbits/second)

LTE
72
Simulation month
the average traffic generated
Fig. 11: Forecast base-station requirements over six years
by M2M devices. Data and voice

35
the differing population densities
30
area. Bandwidth usage caps are

assumed across the forecast
period and form the basis for
determining the upper limits
of per-device traffic. Network
Total base stations (000S)
lognormal distribution to reflect

across the network-coverage
UMTS/HSPA
GSM/EDGE
traffic is skewed using a modified
LTE
25
20
15
10
5
0
12
18
24
dimensioning is based on peak

traffic demands.
An Okumura-Hata radio-
30
36
42
48
54
60
66
72
Simulation month
propagation model is used to

predict network coverage and
of 258MB a month to 1.5GB per
to be required after six months.
combined with a radio-capacity
month over the six years, covering
The demand for LTE base stations
model to predict the number of
both mobile devices and connected
increases throughout the forecast,
base stations needed and their
computing. Average voice-service
reaching 30,300 after six years.
associated output powers. Four
use per user is assumed to remain
categories of base stations are
constant at 130 minutes a month.
used, including high-power,
The network-deployment scenario

studied in this report reflects
medium-power and low-power
The forecast traffic was applied
that of many mobile operators, by
macrocells and microcells. Each
to a network model to predict
incorporating three radio-technology
base-station category is defined
radio-base-station requirements
generations GSM/EDGE, UMTS/
in terms of antenna height, output
(see fig. 11). Two scenarios where
HSPA and LTE spanning five
power, receiver sensitivity and
analyzed, one in which GSM/EDGE
frequency bands. Because the
average number of sectors. Small-
base stations were decommissioned
majority of network costs are due
cell and Wi-Fi offload is used to
after three years and on in which
to radio-base-station operations,
moderate large-cell demand.
the GSM/EDGE cell sites remain in
mobile operators are eager to
place. Data traffic is assumed to be
optimize their radio-infrastructure
Fig. 10 shows forecast subscriber
aggressively migrated to LTE over
costs. Many operators have replaced
usage and downlink data traffic on
the first 8-12 months of the forecast.
obsolete infrastructure and are
the network. Data traffic per user is
As a result, no additional UMTS/
carefully evaluating LTE-deployment
forecast to increase from an average
HSPA(+) base stations are assumed
strategies.
12
The financial impact of an LTE
implementation. At its peak,
ground leases by 7%. The gains
overlay is compared with an
the cumulative NPV benefit for
begin to be reflected after 19
equivalent MS-BTS implementation
LTE overlay is forecast to reach
months.
using a marginal discounted-
US$601 million.
cash-flow analysis, to forecast the
As the MS-BTS is implemented,
The results indicate that for a
cumulative benefit in net present
it offers cost savings through
modernized 2G/3G network, an
value (NPV) of an LTE overlay
reductions in power consumption;
MS-BTS implementation does not
relative to a MS-BTS deployment.
lower operations, administration
achieve a positive return relative to
The results demonstrate the
and maintenance costs; and
an LTE overlay architecture even
following:
slightly reduced site-lease
after seven years, and they illustrate
For the first 19 months of
costs. The MS-BTS base stations
that mobile operators must carefully
the simulation, the MS-BTS
are assumed to use up to 50%
evaluate the total cost of ownership
architecture is more costly
less power, incur 60% lower
for alternative network architectures
because it requires 2G and 3G
operations and maintenance
before pursuing LTE-network
upgrades in addition to LTE
costs and bring down the cost of
upgrades.
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Deploying LTE in

Deploying LTE in Europe................................................................................................... 5

LTE deployment drivers in Europe................................................................................... 7

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About the author

Principal Analyst , Dimitris Mavrakis

2013 Informa UK Ltd. All rights reserved. www.informatandm.com

garnering success, and there is rising

availability of LTE smartphones are

demand for mobile data services and

helping the technology expand rapidly.

LTE has seen arguably the fastest

smartphones all influences that

growth of any mobile network

promote the adoption of LTE. Initial

Europes mobile market has several

technology deployed so far. With

end-user feedback indicates that LTE

unique properties that make LTE

more than 74 networks live in more

services have been well received and

deployments in the region stand out.

than 30 counties, covering every

that the higher-speed, lower-latency

Network sharing is widespread

populated continent, LTE is enjoying

network offers serious advantages

in the EU, and several operators

the most successful launch of

compared with previous networks.

now share parts of their network

any mobile technology in history,

in a passive or active mode. There

with the most swiftly deployed

are discussions in certain markets

networks. There is a proliferation

of LTE-enabled devices in attractive

about regulating network sharing,

form factors and at desirable price

Despite the success of LTE in many

share part or all of their networks.

points, and nearly all LTE handsets

Asian markets and the US, its

Although network sharing reduces

are smartphones, which provide

growth has been slower in Europe

costs, the strategy, governance and

operators with more opportunities

due to regulation, license-auction

integration involved often make it a

for profitability. According to

delays and the wide and dense

Informa Telecoms & Medias LTE

deployment of HSPA networks.

forecasts, there were 62 million LTE

TeliaSoneras LTE network in

bands in Europe appear to be

subscribers at end-December, and

Sweden was the worlds first to be

800 and 2600MHz and 1800MHz,

this number is expected to increase

turned on, in December 2009, but as