Yankee Group Identifies Early 4G Leaders and Followers

Operators like TeliaSonera, Clearwire and KDDI lead the way to 4G.

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- It’s early yet, but operators leading the charge to 4G networks are already apparent. At this week’s 4G World 2010, Yankee Group released “Early 4G Leaders and Followers,” a new report that determines which operators are leading the way, which are lagging behind and which have yet to make a definitive 4G stand.

Specific findings include:

• Leaders: 4G leaders are typically first to market with 4G and have focused their efforts on a specific market, business model or solution as part of their 4G rollout. Japanese operator KDDI and South Korean KT are leading the way in Asia-Pacific, while Clearwire and Metro PCS are ahead in the U.S., and TeliaSonera is on top in Europe.
• Followers: 4G followers typically are slower to develop their 4G strategies or have challenges integrating past technology decisions. AT&T, Telenor and Vodafone all fall into this category today.
• On the bubble: Some operators can be either leaders or followers, depending on key business decisions they make in the next six to 12 months. This segment includes both established operators such as Verizon Wireless and Sprint, and newcomer LightSquared.

“Today, three-fourths of users have either never heard the term 4G or don’t know what it means,” said Chris Nicoll, distinguished research fellow at Yankee Group and author of the report. “True 4G leaders are facing the problem head-on and focusing their early 4G services on a concrete market, solution or competitive point to set a definitive identity in users’ minds. They also are careful to set realistic consumer expectations, taking care to not over-promise and under-deliver on the benefits of 4G.”

About 4G World

4G World is the first industry conference and expo covering the entire ecosystem for next-generation networks supporting high-speed broadband and full mobility, Anywhere Internet access, and mobile content, applications and transactions. 4G World showcases the first 4G mobile broadband networks and applications being launched in 2010 throughout the world. The event Web site is http://www.4gworld.com.

About Yankee Group

The people of Yankee Group are the global connectivity experts–the leading source of insight and counsel trusted by builders, operators and users of connectivity solutions for 40 years. Headquartered in Boston, Yankee Group has a global presence, including operations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Visit www.yankeegroup.com.

CONTACT:

Yankee Group communications
Ashlee Clevenger, +1-617-598-7268
mediarelations@yankeegroup.com

KEYWORDS:   United States  North America  Illinois

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:   Technology  Consumer Electronics  Internet  Networks  Telecommunications  Mobile/Wireless

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