Long term evolution (LTE), the next-generation mobile broadband standard, is the choice for the next leap in wireless technology, according to-Stat. The firm said that WiMAX appeared to be a competitor for 4G early on, but that is now largely resolved.

In-Stat said LTE’s deployment will primarily be impeded by the success of 3G networks and HSPA and HSPA+ networks as mobile operators seek to leverage their installed infrastructure.

“LTE still has several glaring issues,” said Allen Nogee, In-Stat analyst, in a statement. “These include lack of spectrum, signal-to-noise ratio, and non-established patent and royalty pool. It’s clear that the shift toward 4G LTE will be gradual and protracted.”

The firm said North America and Asia/Pacific will be the first regions to deploy LTE in 2010. In addition, while LTE will ultimately become the 4G standard of choice, Mobile WiMAX is much more mature in deployment and has a distinct niche. Even by 2013, Mobile WiMAX will have more than five times as many global subscribers as LTE.

External clients, such as dongles and network cards, will be the first LTE subscriber devices sold. LTE mobile handsets will not start shipping in major volumes until the second half of 2012.