of copper networks in developing markets can make them unsuitable for investment.Fixed incumbent operators in developed markets, meanwhile, are more likely to adopt a gradualist investment approach in order to leverage their copper network assets and introduce a mix of FTTx access approaches, including FTTH. In contrast to incumbent operators, new market entrants are deploying gigabit fibre networks in cities, as they are not restricted by legacy investments in copper networks. This is the case with Gigaclear and CityFibre in the UK, and Google Fibre in the United States and Africa.1.2.3 Wireless network investment trends Mobile operators in developing and developed markets are expected to make significant investments in 3G LTE networks to leverage the growth in mobile data services. Mobile broadband penetration in developing markets is still quite low, however, with a penetration level of 21 per cent in 2014. But mobile broadband is growing fast in these regions – in fact, growth rates are twice as high as in developed regions6. Figure 1.4 shows that 308 operators have launched or are planning various LTE deployments worldwide; 138 of these operators are in developing markets, which form a significant proportion of the global operator base.Mobile operators in developed markets – where mobile data coverage and penetration are high – are investing in high-speed LTE-Advanced (LTE-A)7 networks, based on higher smartphone penetration and the take-up of high-speed streaming services. Figure 1.5 shows that 40 operators have launched or are planning various LTE-A deployments worldwide; 35 of these operators are in developed markets. The Republic of Korea has one of the highest LTE penetration rates worldwide (at 66 per cent of connections in 2014, and an expected 89 per cent by 2019)8.Other wireless network operators are investing in public small cells, public Wi-Fi networks and in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Operators in developed markets use public small-cell deployments to address 3G and 4G network coverage and capacity deficits, particularly in city business districts where the demand for data-hungry applications can be extremely high. By 2020, the Asia-Pacific region and North America will together account for 78 per cent of the investment in public small cells9. Mobile players in the Arab States also have been deploying small cells since 2010 to help alleviate the strain on their networks and reduce traffic congestion. In the United Arab Emirates, EITC (du) has used a combination of small cells and Wi-Fi to address peaks in data demand levels at the site of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, which attracts thousands of visitors daily. Etisalat first used femtocells in 2010 and is committed to deploying more 3G cells in public areas around the country to improve capacity. In 2010, Kuwait’s Zain launched its Cell Access Point, a consumer-4 Trends in Telecommunication Reform 2016 Figure 1.4: The number of operators by region that have launched or are planning LTE deployments This image has no alternative text This image has no alternative text This image has no alternative text This image has no alternative text This image has no alternative text This image has no alternative text This image has no alternative text This image has no alternative text This image has no alternative text This image has no alternative text This image has no alternative text This image has no alternative text This image has no alternative text This image has no alternative text This image has no alternative text This image has no alternative text This image has no alternative text This image has no alternative text This image has no alternative textThis image has no alternative textThis image has no alternative textThis image has no alternative textThis image has no alternative textThis image has no alternative textThis image has no alternative textThis image has no alternative textThis image has no alternative text Source: Analysys Mason wireless networks tracker, 2015