It means that the number of commercial networks has more than quadrupled in five months (11 networks had launched by March 24, 2006). Seven networks have launched HSDPA-enabled services in the past eight weeks. The first HSDPA network entered service only last October.

High speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) is the first evolution of WCDMA, which is delivering the full mobile broadband experience for millions of users across the world. For end-users, HSDPA means shorter service response times, faster downloads, and new services.

Operators are able to offer advanced services at lower costs, and with increased revenues and profitability. HSDPA is the industry baseline for 3G for the full mobile broadband experience. GSA estimates that by the end of December 2006 there will be 80 HSDPA networks in commercial service.

HSDPA roll-out has been strongly evident in Europe, with 17 of the EU25 countries now delivering commercial HSDPA services, and network deployments planned or underway in a further five countries. Globally, HSDPA commercial services are spreading rapidly and are now available in the following 35 countries/territories:

* APAC: Hong Kong, Malaysia, The Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka;
* Europe: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Isle of Man, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Madeira, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Spain, Switzerland, UK;
* Middle East/Africa: Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, SA, UAE.
* North America: USA.

Market growth of mobile broadband is supported by the rapidly increasing range and availability of HSDPA-enabled user devices. GSA recently confirmed that 51 HSDPA devices are launched in the market, including 20 mobile phones.