EDGE

EDGE : this mobile technology is still growing, with according to GSA, more than 96 GSM/EDGE networks operated in 60 countries. Last year, there were only 32 EDGE networks in the world. 38 networks are operated in Europe, 17 in Asia, 32 in the Americas and 9 in Africa/Middle East. What is more interesting is the evolution of the number of network operators committed to the EDGE upgrade: 153 network operators in 85 countries, of which 60 in Americas, 54 in Europe, 26 in Asia, and 13 in the Middle East and Africa. In addition, 48 operators are now operating or deploying combined EDGE-WCDMA networks. On the handset side, 143 GSM/EDGE-enabled devices are now available in the market, from 23 suppliers.

What does it means? EDGE is quietly becoming a success story. It is interesting to notice that EDGE will found its main penetration (in number of EDGE networks) in the Americas, a former non-GSM region. There is little surprise in the European position, EDGE being deployed there either as standalone or in the shadow of 3G. On the other hand, EDGE is relatively slow to penetrate the APAC market.