This means 4G LTE networks in 2.1 GHz, known as 3GPP band 1, have almost doubled as compared to one year earlier.

The good news is that several additional telecom operators are deploying or considering use of 2.1 GHz for their commercial LTE network deployments where feasible, according to GSA, the Global mobile Suppliers Association.

More than 36 percent of all LTE user devices can operate in 2.1 GHz band 1 spectrum against 28 percent one year earlier. 1,185 LTE2100 user devices have been announced to the market by 142 manufacturers.

Telecom network operators are now using channels within the 2.1 GHz band — typically used for 3G systems deployments — for delivering 4G/LTE-based mobile broadband services, either as a single band deployment.

They are utilizing the spectrum as part of multi-band LTE-Advanced networks enabled by carrier aggregation technology. Main infrastructure vendors offer LTE2100 solutions.

“The number of LTE2100 compatible devices more than doubled over the past year (118 percent higher). Band 1 is the third most supported band for LTE devices, following 1800 MHz (band 3) and 2.6 GHz (band 7),” said Alan Hadden, VP of Research at GSA.

Telecomlead.com