"In first quarter 2015, 4G unit share surpassed 50% of global smartphone demand for the first time. China saw the greatest 4G share increase in the quarter, up 16 percentage points to 73%, from 57% last quarter," the report said.

GfK forecasts global smartphone unit demand to grow over 10 per cent y-o-y in 2015, a slowdown from the over 23% growth experienced last year.

"Emerging Asia is forecast to be the fastest growing region, driven by India and Indonesia, where low smartphone penetration leaves plenty of room for growth," Director of trends and forecasting at GfK, Kevin Walsh said.

In India, Airtel, Reliance Jio Infocomm and Reliance Communications have the capability to start pan-India 4G service.

Airtel has started providing 4G service in Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune, Chandigarh and Amritsar at 3G mobile Internet rates.

Besides, Aircel, which holds 4G spectrum in eight out of 22 telecom circles, has also launched 4G in select area.

Videocon Telecom has announced its plan to launch 4G services in UP and Bihar by December at rates at par with 2G and 3G internet services.

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