4G Smartphones

WiMAX, LTE, 4G ICs, Spectrum, and Markets

Research Report

Pages
55
Deliverables
Released
4Q 2011
Product Code
RR-4GSPH-11
Price
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4G capable mobile devices are beginning to emerge as the next major platform opportunity for mobile operators, device OEMs, IC vendors, network equipment vendors, and content companies to deliver premium services and products. Despite the growing number of 4G capable device segments, the smartphone will remain the largest and most important device segment for incumbents and new entrants to address. The projected shipment volumes of 4G smartphones far surpass all other device opportunities and will greatly affect the design choices and technology paths of products and services looking to cash in on the 4G opportunity. This report highlights key drivers and barriers faced by market participants in the emerging 4G (LTE & WiMAX) smartphone markets. Handset OEMs, spectrum allocation considerations, and their effect on the design of 4G chipsets are highlighted and discussed. Regional and country level forecasts demonstrate the potential market value for 4G smartphones and 4G IC vendors.

What Questions Does This Report Answer?

  • What are the key barriers and drivers of 4G smartphone uptake?
  • Who are currently the key stakeholding handset OEMs for 4G smartphones?
  • How do spectrum concerns affect 4G smartphone design and business models?
  • Which 4G standards are likely to offer the best market opportunity?
  • How will the emerging smartphone market affect 4G IC design?

Who Needs This Report?

  • Mobile operators
  • MVNO's
  • Handset IC vendors
  • Handset OEMs

Table of Contents

  • Executive Brief

  • Top Line Forecast
  • Drivers
  • Inhibitors
  • Market Share
  • Summary and Strategic Recommendations

Section 1.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.1. Key Market Drivers
1.2. Key Market Barriers
1.3. Operator Recommendations
1.4. Smartphone OEM Recommendations
1.5. 4G IC Vendor Recommendations
1.6. 4G Smartphone Market Forecast Summary

Section 2.
MARKET DRIVERS AND BARRIERS

2.1. Market Drivers for 4G Smartphones
2.2. Mobile Operator Evolving Business Models
2.3. 4G Smartphones as Mobile Hotspots
2.4. Improving and Enabling Legacy 3G Applications
2.5. Smartphone Application Ecosystems and 4G Service Development
2.6. Mobile Data Capacity Crunch
2.7. Handset Subsidization
2.8. Market Barriers for 4G Smartphones
2.9. Limited Deployments
2.10. Lack of Roaming Agreements
2.11. 4G IP Uncertainty
2.12. LTE Spectrum Band Fragmentation
2.13. Tiered Data Plans
2.14. Outdated Billing/OSS
2.15. Consumer Understanding of 4G - "Faux G"
2.16. Strategic Recommendations - Operators
2.17. Strategic Recommendations - Smartphone OEMs
2.18. Strategic Recommendations - IC Vendors

Section 3.
MARKET CONSIDERATIONS

3.1. 4G Wholesale and MVNO Markets
3.2. WiMAX Chipset Integration
3.3. LTE Chipset Integration
3.4. Frequency Bands and Antenna Design Constraints
3.5. WiMAX to TD-LTE Migration

Section 4.
SPECTRUM CONSIDERATIONS

4.1. What is 4G?
4.2. LTE
4.3. Regional LTE Subscriptions
4.4. Regional TD-LTE Subscriptions
4.5. WiMAX Spectrum Availability
4.6. Regional WiMAX Subscriptions

Section 5.
KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

5.1. Beceem Communications (acquired by Broadcom)
5.2. GCT Semiconductor Inc
5.3. LG Electronics
5.4. Marvell Semiconductors Inc
5.5. MediaTek Inc
5.6. Qualcomm Inc
5.7. Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
5.8. Sequans Communications
5.9. ST-Ericsson

Section 6.
MARKET FORECASTS

6.1. Smartphone Definition
6.2. WWAN/Wi-Fi Routers (i.e., Mobile Hotspot Routers)
6.3. Notes on Methodology
6.4. Smartphone Forecasts
6.5. 4G Smartphone IC Forecasts
6.6. Smartphone OEMs

Section 7.
COMPANY DIRECTORY


Section 8.
ACRONYMS

8.1. Scope of Study
8.2. Sources and Methodology
8.3. Notes




45 Tables

Registered users can view table structure by clicking on the table title. Register now or Log in.

9 Charts
  • Regional LTE Subscriptions
  • Regional WiMAX Subscriptions
  • Regional TD-LTE Subscriptions
  • WiMAX Device Shipments by Segment
  • LTE Device Shipments by Segment
  • 4G Smartphone Shipments by Air Interface
  • 4G Penetration of Smartphone Shipments
  • 4G Penetration of Smartphone Shipments, World Markets, Forecast: 2010 to 2016
  • 4G Smartphone Shipment Forecast by Technology
1 Figures
  • LTE Antenna Design Constraints