Gartner Research

China Mobile Will Stretch Its Lead in LTE Development With 4G Licensing

Published: 29 April 2014

ID: G00260776

Analyst(s): Roger Sheng , Jane Zhang

Summary

The two-step 4G licensing strategy gives China Mobile a 12-month advantage over the other CSPs in LTE deployment. IT and marketing leaders should renovate their business initiatives and anticipate an ultra-100 Mbps cross-country mobile network by the end of 2016.

Table Of Contents
  • Impacts

Analysis

Impacts and Recommendations

  • China Mobile's 12-month lead on TD-LTE network deployment gives it the opportunity to harness the 4G industry value chain and demonstrate service innovation on the advanced LTE network, which IT and marketing leaders can leverage
  • The 4G capex burdens of China Unicom and China Telecom will limit device subsidy and service improvements through 2016, but inspire new partnerships, especially with app developers, in the near term
  • The time required and the difficulties of building a hybrid-LTE network will delay LTE service adoption in the mass market starting in 2016, affecting IT and marketing leaders' enterprise mobility and marketing plans

Gartner Recommended Reading

©2021 Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Gartner is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and its affiliates. This publication may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without Gartner’s prior written permission. It consists of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization, which should not be construed as statements of fact. While the information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, Gartner disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. Although Gartner research may address legal and financial issues, Gartner does not provide legal or investment advice and its research should not be construed or used as such. Your access and use of this publication are governed by Gartner’s Usage Policy. Gartner prides itself on its reputation for independence and objectivity. Its research is produced independently by its research organization without input or influence from any third party. For further information, see Guiding Principles on Independence and Objectivity.

Already have a Gartner Account?

Log In

Purchase this Document

To purchase this document, you will need to register or sign in above

Register Now

Become a client

Learn how to access this content as a Gartner client.