WCDMA HSPA cellular connections to reach 40 million by end-2008

WCDMA cellular connections are on track to exceed GSM connections by 2010 in those countries where the network has been launched. WCDMA HSPA is expected to represent around 45% of those total connections by 2010. WCDMA HSPA has started on a fast adoption cycle as it benefits from an optimum development cost, improving network coverage and affordable handsets being introduced to mid to low tiers of the market. As shown in Figure 1, Asia-Pacific is driving growth during the initial phase of adoption, while European operators will boost total WCDMA HSPA cellular connections from the end of 2008. WCDMA HSPA is expected to increase data traffic and increase non-voice revenues.