Tablets pushing LTE growth, report says

Devices capable of connecting to long-term evolution (LTE) networks have been on a rapid incline in the past year or so. According to the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), there are few indications that this trend will slow down anytime soon.

The organization's April 2012 report says 347 LTE-enabled devices have been announced, with approximately 250 in the last year alone. Smartphones have been a major driver of the trend, but more recently, tablet computers have become a big part of LTE's growth.

The study finds that there are currently 31 LTE-enabled tablets available. In an analysis of the GSA's figures, technology news provider Fierce Wireless estimates the number of LTE-capable tablets has jumped 72 percent since mid-January.

The GSA notes that the majority of LTE devices support the 700 MHz band, which is primarily used in North America. LTE network rollouts are being accelerated in other areas of the world as well, particularly Europe, where operators are more likely to use 2600 MHz, 1800 MHz and 800 MHz bands, the GSA states.

A separate study from Strategy Analytics also highlights the growth of LTE-enabled tablet computers. According to the report, tablets now account for nearly 35 percent of all mobile broadband offerings, which often include 4G/LTE connectivity.