NEW YORK -- A US election year combined with uncertain European financial fundamentals has clouded the economic outlook for the North American market.

However, mobile operators are busily preparing their networks for next-generation 4G services.

“North American mobile cellular capital expenditure is expected to hold its ground in 2012 year-on-year, with expenditure of around $10 billion,” said Jake Saunders, VP for forecasting at ABI Research. However, the firm said, an uptick is ahead in 2013.

“In 2013, mobile capital expenditure is likely to surge 4.9% to $10.5 billion as North American operators continue upgrading their networks,” Saunders said.