Mobile broadband services based on long term evolution (LTE) technology are growing in popularity, new research has revealed.

According to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) over 100 LTE networks are currently in progress or planned in 41 countries, which is 71 per cent higher than previous figures compiled six months ago.

LTE network services are currently set to be deployed in a range of regions, including the UK, Germany, Switzerland and France, as well as areas further afield such as China, Chile and Kazakhstan.

Alan Hadden, President of GSA, said: "Our latest Evolution to LTE report shows how the pace towards LTE has quickened, which is easy to see from the increasing numbers of operator trials and announcements, and positive actions by several regulatory bodies around the world."

Earlier this year, a study by Infonetics Research suggested that 1.8 billion people worldwide will be using mobile broadband by 2014.

It also suggested that 153 million subscribers will be using LTE services by that point.