GSA: 140 operators in 59 countries and regions around the world have launched commercial 5G networks

GSA recently released the "LTE and 5G Market Statistics" report for December 2020. The data shows that as of the end of 2020, 140 operators have launched commercial 5G networks in 59 countries and regions.

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As of December 2020, GSA's NTS database shows:

A total of 806 operators worldwide have launched commercial LTE networks (providing broadband fixed wireless access and/or mobile services).

in:

• 423 operators have launched LTE fixed wireless access services (excluding operators that only provide MiFi/dongle services).
• 742 operators offer fully mobile LTE services.
• 237 operators hold licenses to use spectrum for TD-LTE services, of which 166 are actively using the spectrum (deploying networks or launching services).
• 357 operators are investing in one or more LTE-Advanced technologies.
• 210 operators are investing in LTE-Advanced Pro technology.
• 412 operators in 131 countries are investing in 5G networks in the form of tests, trials, pilots, plans and actual deployments.

Of these, 140 operators from 59 countries/regions have launched 3GPP-compatible 5G commercial services (mobile or FWA).

61 operators were identified as investing in the 5G standalone space (including those evaluating/testing, piloting, planning, deploying, and those that have already launched 5G SA networks).

In terms of network functionality:

• More than 50 LTE-M networks have been deployed/launched worldwide
• The NTS database tracks various LTE network technologies:
• 4×4 MIMO – 151 operators have confirmed investments, of which 94 have deployed/launched the technology in their commercial networks.
• 8T8R MIMO and Massive MIMO – 86 operators have identified investments in these technologies; 38 have at least deployed/launched.
• 256 QAM in DL – 124 operators were identified as investors, of which 79 have deployed/launched the technology in their commercial networks.

And many key features of LTE services:

• 36 operators invested in LAA (9 have deployed/launched networks); 12 operators invested in LTE-U (3 have deployed/launched networks); 3 operators invested in LWA (only one has launched so far).
• 275 operators have invested in VoLTE, and 226 operators have launched VoLTE services.
• 11 deployed/launched NB-IoT networks.
• 51 deployed/launched LTE-M networks.