Mobile broadband operators have been tipped to favour Long Term Evolution (LTE) over WiMAX as the rollout of 4G networks takes place in the coming years.

By 2014, there will be more than nine times as many subscribers to LTE as to its rival technology, market intelligence firm IHS iSuppli has predicted.

Some 303.1 million people will be signed up to this form of 4G mobile and broadband access in three years' time, compared to 33.4 million who will choose WiMAX.

Francis Sideco, principal analyst for wireless research at IHS, said WiMAX currently enjoys a "major advantage" in 4G market share because of its two- to three-year head start over LTE.

But he forecast: "With LTE supported by most of the leading wireless operators worldwide, it will rise to surpass WiMAX in 2012 and then dominate worldwide during the following years."

However, the study may have little impact on the UK for the foreseeable future, if O2's new business development director Tim Sefton is to be believed.

He recently told TechRadar it will be "years rather than months" before 4G is widely available over here.

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