Ericssons View – Global Telco Market Development

Growth continues, with almost three billion new mobile subscriptions expected through 2014
Operators are increasingly focusing on network speed, with HSPA deployed in 130 countries today.
There are signs of a shift in focus in the telecom industry from connecting places and people to connecting devices and applications.
Mobile subscriptions grew by 163 million in the quarter to a total of 4.6 billion. In India alone, subscriptions grew by some 15 million per month during the fourth quarter.
The global number of new WCDMA subscriptions is accelerating and grew by 38 million in the quarter to a total of 452 million, of which 185 million are estimated to be HSPA.
In the third quarter, fixed broadband connections grew to 438 million, adding 15 million subscribers.
For many large operators, mobile data revenues constitute 25% of total service revenues or more.
There is continued good growth in professional services, fueled by operators’ desire to reduce operating expenses and improve efficiency in network operation and maintenance.
The move toward all-IP and increased network complexity will create further demand for systems integration and consulting.