GSA survey reveals continuing global GSM/EDGE network expansion

Telecomworldwire, May 15, 2008

TELECOMWORLDWIRE-15 May 2008-GSA survey reveals continuing global GSM/EDGE network expansion(C)1994-2008 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD http://www.m2.com

The most recent survey of GSM/EDGE network deployments from the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), has revealed continuing GSM/EDGE networks and services expansion around the world.

The GSA survey results, which are summarised in a new EDGE Fact Sheet, reveal that EDGE networks are now commercially launched in 147 countries, compared to 113 countries in May 2007.

The GSA confirmed that EDGE is now widely available in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East, including a number of new markets in Africa. It claimed that many operators around the world have made substantial investments to improve the coverage and capacity of current networks, including extending EDGE capabilities to the full GSM coverage area.

According to the GSA, there are currently 363 EDGE network commitments in 165 countries, including 313 EDGE commercial network launches in 147 countries. This compares to 287 commitments in 142 countries in May 2007, including 223 launches in 113 countries.

More than 75% of GPRS operators have committed to the EDGE enhancement, a global technology which reportedly delivers significant growth in data traffic and revenue.

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