LTE - data prices one sixth the price of WCDMA

LTE can provide data at sixth of price of WCDMA, says Analysys Mason

LTE continues to gain momentum, but for some operators, LTE cannot come soon enough, as LTE can provide data at a sixth of the price of basic WCDMA, according to Analysys Mason. In the long term, it may be the only way to profitably manage the increasing demand for data traffic, says Helen Karapandzic, analyst at Analysys Mason.

LTE not only offers cost savings and performance improvements, like reduced latency, which will enhance growing data services such as video, TV and gaming, it also offers a full evolution path. LTE is only just at the beginning of its product life cycle.

However, the market research firm pointed out that while LTE will offer great benefits to consumers, it will bring about a big change in the way operators and vendors do business. Integrating LTE into the existing operator access infrastructure will also have a very important operational impact if the operator is to make the most of what LTE offers.