WCDMA/EDGE networks

WCDMA/EDGE networks

According to a GSA survey, 61 WCDMA and EDGE combined networks (vs 23 last year) are or will be deployed, on a total of 100 WCDMA networks. This highlights that mobile operators are coming back to EDGE as they realize that deploying 3G over an entire country could be unprofitable today. EDGE is perceived as a good compromise between speed, reach and coverage. In addition, 185 operators in 96 countries are deploying EDGE on their GSM networks. With EDGE Evolution, the next step in EDGE technology, the gap between 3G and non-3G networks will be further reduced. According to Nokia, “all leading mobile operators have an interest in EDGE today".