China's domestic market for 4G smartphones is poised for a massive liftoff in 2014, as shipments grow sixteen-fold from 2013 levels, according to IHS.

　　Shipments of 4G smartphones in China are forecast to reach 72.4 million units in 2014, up nearly 1,500% from just 4.6 million in 2013, with the market expected to take off after the second half. It will be the first big year for 4G smartphones in only its second year in the country, up from a practically nonexistent base two years ago, IHS noted.

　　The 4G smartphone market in China will see unstoppable growth for the next few years, with shipments doubling to 144.1 million units in 2015 and rising another 53% to 219.8 million in 2016, IHS projected. Shipments will end 2017 at 298.5 million units.

　　4G smartphones will account for just 19% of the entire China smartphone market in 2014 of 371.8 million, with 3G handsets still making up the majority and 2G models also still available. 3G shipments will continue to dominate the China smartphone market for two more years, after which 4G handsets take over permanently, according to IHS.

　　"With support from the government and increasing clamor from the public, 4G smartphones will be the new hot market in China," said Kevin Wang, director for China research at IHS. "Already Beijing has granted licenses for TD-LTE, China's homegrown version of the 4G Long Term Evolution standard, to the state's three carriers."