4G networks could be too little too late

Whilst the UK eagerly awaits the rollout of 4G networks next year one industry official has suggested that the rollout could actually be too little too late.

When mobile broadband and internet took off several years ago the 3G networks that operators had in place seemed adequate to cope with the demand for the services. However, the technology became increasingly popular very quickly and with more and more casual and business users getting online using smart phones, laptops, and other Internet enabled devices, the capacity has started to fall short of demand, which means lower quality, lack of reliability, and slower speeds for users.

This is why so many people are eager to see 4G networks rolled out in the UK, which should be over the course of next year once Ofcom has auctioned of the spectrum that providers need to do this. It is hoped that the extra capacity that the next generation networks will ensure that the rising demand for mobile broadband and internet is met without compromising on quality and speed for users.

However, one industry official has recently suggested that the 4G rollout could be too little too late, and it may not actually resolve the capacity problems being experienced in the UK. The claim has been made by Stephen Rayment of BelAir Networks, who said that data usage is at a level whereby it is likely to exceed the additional capacity provided by 4G networks.

He said that the ‘real elephant in this room’ was seeing how the extra demand was handled by the mobile network operators, adding: “Operators know that smaller cells are the only sure-fire way of deploying future networks capable of delivering high-quality mobile broadband.”

Do you believe that demand could outstrip capacity when 4G is rolled out? Let us know with your comments.

Source – Broadband Choice