More than 42 percent of mobile network operators (MNOs) are currently deploying Long Term Evolution (LTE (News - Alert)) trials, while 34.2 percent plan LTE network rollouts in the future, according to a study conducted by BroadSoft, a provider of software that enables mobile, fixed-line and cable service providers to offer communications over their IP networks.

Three quarters of operators surveyed plans to launch an LTE network in the future, with 42 percent already deploying or trialing LTE. Availability of LTE handsets is an important aspect for monetizing the high speed networks.

Over one-third of those surveyed said LTE handsets will be available in 2012, and another third (for a total of 64 percent) believe LTE handsets will be available by 2013.

“We believe the results of the BroadSoft (News - Alert) survey reinforce our view that LTE offers significant opportunities for mobile network operators to leverage an all-IP environment to deliver innovative communications services that enhance, rather than replace, voice,” said Scott Hoffpauir, chief technology officer, BroadSoft, in a statement.

“With the proliferation of mobile tablets and smartphones, we believe VoLTE can be a game changer for mobile carriers, as they are ideally positioned to provide a single communications identity -- a phone number -- through which their customers can always be reached, regardless of the communication app, voice, video, texting, IM, or device they choose,” Hoffpauir added.

The survey, conducted by analyst firm MobileSQUARED on behalf of BroadSoft, identified perspectives of operators about LTE, Unified Communications (News - Alert) (UC) and Rich Communications Suite (RCS) services in an all-IP environment.

When operators were asked to choose the three most important elements of UC and RCS, "data sharing" topped the list, selected by 60 percent of respondents, followed by "video and conferencing" and standard "telephony."

The launch of these services will enable MNOs to change the communication experience. BroadSoft  expects to see voice become high-definition (HD) voice, video calling become a standard feature and text messaging evolve to content messaging, with the sharing of pictures and videos, and all in real-time.

The vast majority of operators surveyed stated that they are either currently or are planning to offer UC services for enterprise customers and 83 percent currently (or plan to) offer RCS services for consumers.

Recently, a report from In-Stat said that the number of LTE subscribers will approach 115 million by 2014. While LTE will become the dominant wireless airlink, several formidable challenges will make its widespread adoption slower than many expect.