A new report titled “Mobile Data Offload & Onload: Wi-Fi, Small Cell & Carrier-Grade Strategies 2012-2017” from Juniper Research has forecasted that almost 50% of data traffic generated by mobile phones, tablets and other 3G/4G connected devices will be transferred to Wi-Fi and Small Cell networks this year.
The report of Juniper Research found that, while Operators were benefiting from much-needed relief on their overstretched networks, they were potentially losing monetization opportunities on the lost data usage.
In response, Operators are actively partnering with existing Wi-Fi networks and launching their own carrier grade Wi-Fi solutions. In addition, 4G technologies such as LTE along with other wireless technologies are enabling Operators to provide new services and next generation connected devices such as smart glasses.
Nitin Bhas, Senior Analyst, Juniper Research, stated, “While a 4G connection need not necessarily mean more data usage, consumers are in fact adapting to faster speeds and more data services, which could lead to more data usage. This increase in user demand for services, in turn, creates new opportunities within different economic sectors including commerce, energy, health and education, completing a cycle of demand.”
The report also noted that as Operators implement NGH (Next Generation Hotspot) and Hotspot 2.0 specifications, they will be able to provide users with a seamless authentication and access experience similar to that of the cellular network. Furthermore, North America and Western Europe will have the highest offload factor by 2017.
