LTE could be dominant HK mobile technology by 2018

Now covers 76% of Hong Kong’s mobile base.

LTE subscriptions are forecast to hit 15 million by 2018, or 76% of the total mobile base in Hong Kong. A report from Pyramid Research shows that over the next five years, operators in Hong Kong should seize opportunities in LTE-powered data services and devices and develop strategies to combat the threat posed by third-party OTT apps.

LTE or Long Term Evolution, also marketed as 4G LTE, is a standard for wireless communication of high-speed data for mobile phones and data terminals.

The report also shows that adoption of 3G technologies peaked in 2012 at 68% of the mobile base and is projected to decline starting in 2013 as a result of increasing availability of LTE networks and devices.

Worldwide LTE subscriptions are expected to reach 15 million by 2018 thanks to aggressive efforts by operators to migrate customers with handset subsidies and pricing comparable to 3G.