With release of the latest version of Release 8 of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) in June 2009, the core LTE specification has stabilized. 3GPP Release 8 also encompasses a considerable number of interim enhancements embodied in Evolved High-Speed Packet Access (eHSPA), also known as HSPA+.
Unlike acronyms for many wireless standards, LTE is aptly named, as it is almost certain to be the long-term high-speed data solution for all 3GPP-based wireless networks (i.e. GSM, WCDMA) for many years to come. With the announcement of nearly all major 3GPP2 service providers, using today CDMA®2000 1xRTT and 1xEV-DO Rev. 0 and Rev. A technology, LTE seems to become the major technology for mobile broadband. The other emerging standard is mobile WiMAX, comparable to LTE from a performance perspective, and in contrast to LTE currently deployed in several countries throughout the world. As both technologies have their advantages and disadvantages it is likely that in the years ahead, both WiMAX and LTE will generate significant market share.