Guess Apple's timing was good in adding LTE support for the iPhone 5. LTE handset sell through is expected to reach 490.5 million in 2017, a 73% CAGR [compound annual return rate] over 2012 levels, and will account for 20.7% of all handset sales, according to a new report from Pyramid Research (www.pyramidresearch.com).

The research group says that, for now, the majority of LTE subscriptions are for computers, computer add-ons and tablets. However, by the end of the forecast period Pyramid Research expects handsets to account for the bulk of LTE subscriptions, especially in North America, Europe and developed Asian markets.

By 2017, 82%of handset sales in South Korea, and 79% of handset sales in Japan, are expected to be LTE. In the U.S., LTE handsets will be 71% of total mobile handset sell-through, according to Pyramid Research.