Most regions throughout the world are expected to double their amount of LTE networks in 2012, and in this respect Latin America is no exception, Alan Hadden, president of the Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), told BNamericas.

In an update to its “Evolution to LTE” report, the GSA confirmed that 49 LTE operators have now launched services and that 285 operators have committed to the technology – a more than 30% increase from six months ago.

This was largely due to the fact that operators obtained new spectrum.

“LTE seems to be equally applicable to developing markets as developed, mature markets. There seems to be interest in developing LTE mobile broadband in all economies, and the same goes for Latin America,” Hadden said. “What we did see is the number of networks double in 2011, and we think that the number of networks will double again this year.”

LATIN AMERICA

According to the report, Latin America now has now four commercial LTE deployments. Puerto Rico was the first to provide LTE services with AT&T (NYSE: T) launching on November 20 in 700 MHz, followed closely by Amйrica Mуvil’s (NYSE: AMX) Claro Puerto Rico on November 24, also in 700 MHz.

On December 13, DirecTV’s Sky Brasil launched TD-LTE in 2.6 MHz in capital Brasнlia, with other cities due to covered in 2012. Uruguay’s state run Antel launched LTE on the same date in capital Montevideo and beach resort Punta del Este in AWS spectrum. Antel has requested access to 700 MHz.

Not included in the list was Colombia’s UNE-EPM, which launched LTE in December.

TRIALS AND AUCTIONS

According to the report, Telefуnica (NYSE: TEF) completed LTE lab trials in Argentina in 2010, claiming to be the first to do so in AWS spectrum.

The Bahamas is deploying a commercial LTE network as a complement to its HSPA+ upgrade launched in January this year.

In Bolivia, Entel Mуvil is trialing LTE in la Paz.

In Brazil, Oi has been trialing LTE since mid-June 2011. Telecoms regulator Anatel auctioned 15 lots of frequency on December 6. But 39 lots were not auctioned, including 29 designated for WiMax.

Anatel plans to auction 2.6 GHz and 440 MHz spectrum in April and 3.5 GHz spectrum in 2H12. Discussions are planned for 2H12 on using 700 MHz.

In Chile, several operators completed LTE trials in 2010. Regulator Subtel announced availability of bidding documents for 2.6 GHz spectrum from December 16, 2011. Three blocks are due to be auctioned in Q1.

In Colombia, UNE-EPM is deploying an LTE network in the current quarter. The ICT ministry (Mintic) in a December 29 resolution invited expressions of interest to participate in an auction for spectrum in AWS, PCS1900 and 2.6 GHz. No application deadline has been set.

In Costa Rica, state-controlled incumbent ICE has said it is considering deploying LTE by year-end.

In the Dominican Republic, Orange Dominicana trialed LTE in April 2011.

Guatemala has confirmed at least seven bands are suitable for LTE – including 800 MHz, 1.8 GHz, AWS and 2.1 GHz.

In Mexico, Telefуnica and Telcel have conducted LTE tests. Telefуnica plans to launch LTE by 2013, while Telcel is preparing a commercial launch for 2012. The government said it plans to auction 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz.

In Paraguay, state company Copaco plans to deploy LTE by August.

In Peru, Movistar has been trialing LTE. The transport and communications ministry published a consultation on use of 700 MHz and AWS spectrum.

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