According to ABI Research’s latest report, smartphones and connected computing devices (i.e. laptops, netbooks, smartbooks and media tablets) will generate more than 87% of total mobile network data traffic for U.S. operators over the next five years.
Other findings from the report include:
- Smartphone traffic was the share leader in 2009. However that is set to change by 2014 with connected computing devices overtaking the top spot;
- Connected computing device traffic will grow by 90% through 2014;
- Growth of Android, iPhone and other smartphones will cause average smartphone traffic levels to grow by 48% over the forecast period;
- The iPhone and AT&T’s high smartphone share caused its network to carry the most traffic in 2009. AT&T will also lead this year.
- Verizon will become the traffic leader by 2011 due to increasing penetration of customers with Android and similar high data-use smartphones.
Carriers on their end will have to respond accordingly to this trend. ABI’s practice director Dan Shey argues they will need to use entire toolkit of options. “Traditional means of increasing cell site capacity through backhaul additions, spectrum reallocations and in-building distributed antenna systems are only part of the story. Other methods needed include FMC offloading, more efficient browsers, and pricing and offer management,” he said.
Additional details about the report titled “US Mobile Operator Traffic Profiles: Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile” is available from ABI Research’s website.