4G LTE device penetration is still low at 1.61% in India: Nokia Networks study

India currently has around 14.8 million capable subscribers who are using 4G phones, but 4G subscriptions are still significantly lower, according to a study released by Nokia Networks, which also said that 4G LTE device penetration is currently hovering around 1.61% in India.

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1800 MHz enabled LTE devices leads with 1.45% penetration (13.3 million devices) followed by 2300 MHz enabled devices at 1.2% penetration. Mumbai, Delhi, Kerala Punjab, Karnataka have LTE device penetration– 1800 MHz using FD LTE technology–over 2% of their subscriber base, which is a significant opportunity, the study said.

“We see significant opportunity for operators for offering 4G as LTE handset penetration is increasing at affordable prices. There is a possibility of 4G leapfrogging 3G in terms of new subscriber addition, since the price point of LTE devices are expected to come done from Rs 8000 level to around Rs 4000 level in next few months,” Amit Marwah, Head of Technology, India Market, Nokia Networks, said.

The Nokia Networks study said that users of leading national operators have more LTE 2300 MHz devices and use latest handsets. It added that six out of ten top LTE devices are sub Rs 8,000 and are growing rapidly in the country.

According to Marwah, the year 2016 will see higher penetration of affordable LTE handsets across India. “It is imperative that India should have high quality 4G networks to provide a superior subscriber experience in this new generation of technology in the country,” he said.
On the 3G front, the country has witnessed 26% subscription growth in a span of six months, while the 3G penetration in India is only 24.59%, which ascertains that there is a huge opportunity for telecom operators to tap.