With the current 3G networks proving incapable of handling the growth in mobile data traffic, mobile operators in India, Saudi Arabia, and the U.A.E. are soon expected to migrate to 4G technologies to accommodate the surge in data traffic.

LTE and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) are the two competing 4G technologies expected to drive the growth in mobile broadband, globally.

This surge in use of mobile broadband has been attributed to the proliferation of smartphones and smart devices, along with the increasing use of social networking and blogging tools, amongst others.

Mobile broadband is also gaining momentum because of the users’need for seamless mobility and continuous Internet connectivity. The increasing popularity of bandwidth-intensive mobile applications has further boosted the use of mobile broadband.

To sustain the momentum, mobile operators in Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. are progressively committing themselves to LTE technology, thus moving towards 4G services.

The Frost & Sullivan Report indicates that LTE is expected to lead the shift toward 4G technologies in Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E, and India, with the developing ecosystem and increasing support from equipment vendors. The Report also recommends commitment and support from equipment manufacturers and mobile operators to drive the growth in the LTE market.

It concludes with insights on the upcoming opportunities in India, Saudi Arabia, and the U.A.E in the next 5-10 years.