Traditional FD operators could use TD-LTE as an opportunity create market segmentation.
Technology factors are driving the adoption of TD-LTE as WiMAX loses both momentum and consumer device support. However, we expect 2013 to be a key year for TD-LTE deployments. TD-LTE support is provided by all major equipment vendors, and device support is expected to increase significantly in 2013 as networks are launched in China, India and the USA. China Mobile, the world’s largest operator by subscribers (approximately 703 million as of November 2012), carried out a large-scale TD-LTE trial in 2012 and is poised to launch a commercial network in 2013.