4G transition will be slow, says report

The transition to 4G communication on mobile broadband devices will be slow, according to a new report.

A recently-published study by market analyst In-Stat has revealed that while the transition has begun, 70 per cent of all mobile devices will still be baseband-enabled in 2014.

The study showed that despite this figure, just 3.6 per cent of mobile devices will be using 4G standards.

Figures from the report also revealed that 2.8 billion mobile devices will be shipped in 2014, two billion of which will be using baseband modem technology.

According to the data, 4G technology will only begin to “take root” in North America and western Europe this year.

By way of comparison, other countries will not start to adopt the technology until 2012.

Chris Kissel, industry analyst at In-Stat, said: “Among today’s key trends is migration in 3G towards WCDMA and HSPA technology.

“Continued growth in data usage and competitive pressures will push operators toward the ultimate migration to 4G.”

According to In-Stat, despite the high volume of people adopting WiMAX technology, LTE will account for 61.2 per cent of 4G-enabled mobile broadband devices in four years’ time.

Jim McGregor, another In-Stat analyst, added: “Computing and mobile consumer electronics manufacturers are integrating baseband modems into their devices at a feverish pace over the next few years.

“Unfortunately, the transition to 4G wireless technologies is not going to keep pace as adoption is challenged by multiple wireless standards, limited spectrum availability, constricting business models and other market and industry issues.”