Telecoms operators worldwide launched 96 LTE networks last year, according to new statistics published on Thursday.
As a result, there are now 360 commercial LTE networks in 124 countries, the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) revealed. In total, 611 operators have committed to investing in LTE in 174 countries, the association said.
And with LTE launches coming thick and fast, the telcos are turning their attention to the next evolution of the technology.
"LTE-Advanced carrier aggregation deployment was the major trend in 2014," said GSA president Alan Hadden, in a statement.
Hadden said that 49 operators in 31 countries have commercially launched LTE-A. Taking into account in-progress deployments and trials, almost 30% of LTE operators are investing in LTE-A, he said.
Meanwhile, 80 operators in 42 countries are investing in the rollout of voice-over-LTE (VoLTE). 14 operators have launched HD voice services using VoLTE in seven countries and "many more launches are expected in 2015," the GSA said.
