According to research from Strategy Analytics, 4G LTE will account for 4 percent of smartphone/cell phone sales in the United States during 2011.
Major players driving the emerging LTE market this year will include Samsung, HTC, LG, Android, Verizon Wireless and AT&T.
If we look at the announced 4G LTE devices, it brings the figures to life. Verizon is on schedule for its LTE smartphone releases and has launched the HTC ThunderBolt and Motorola Xoom (upgradeable to LTE). The next 4G LTE smartphones coming are the Samsung Stealth 4G Droid, Droid Bionic, and LG Revolution. Many of these smartphones appear in the Top Ten Best Android an' Droid Phones Now an' Later.
LTE has grown from near-zero in 2010. LTE is fast becoming a
high-growth, high-value 4G market for handset vendors, component
manufacturers and operators.
HSUPA sales will grow at an above-average rate of 42% annually through the next 5 years. Meanwhile, LTE will emerge in North America during 2011 and achieve triple-digit global volumes by 2014.
Neil Mawston, Director at Strategy Analytics, said, "The United States is already the world's most important market for LTE handsets and services. Key players driving US LTE growth this year will include Samsung, HTC, LG, Android, Verizon Wireless and AT&T. Emerging players that could shake up the LTE market over the next year include Apple, Amazon or even Nintendo."
The full report, Global Handset Sales Forecast by Country, is published by the Strategy Analytics Wireless Device Strategies (WDS) service, details of which can be found here:
www.tinyurl.com/6bjnm4n.