The survey also confirms that the majority of devices are handsets (26 models), ahead of PC cards/embedded modules (24), USB HSDPA modems (4) and wireless routers (4).

Sixteen HSDPA devices are capable of operation at 850MHz, in support of major 850MHz HSDPA network deployments in Australia and North America, and potentially in many more markets throughout the Americas, Asia and elsewhere.

Forty-seven HSDPA devices (i.e. 81%, and representing an increase of 28 models in six months) also support GSM/EDGE, thus aiming to ensure service continuity and the best user experience of mobile broadband services.

The survey total of 58 devices excludes a rapidly increasing number of notebooks, laptops and tablet PCs with embedded wireless wide area networking (WWAN) capability for HSDPA broadband access. The survey notes 16 PC products from eight PC manufacturers, which have been launched mostly in partnership with mobile network operators.

High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) is the first evolution of WCDMA, which is delivering the full mobile broadband experience for users across the world. HSDPA users under favourable conditions regularly experience throughput rates from 1Mbps up to 3,6Mbps that will increase with phased enhancements in the near term.

A recent related survey by GSA stated that the number of HSDPA networks planned, in deployment or launched has reached 120 in 55 countries, of which 58 are providing commercial services in 37 countries today. GSA forecasts that the number of commercial HSDPA networks world-wide will reach 85 by the end of the year.