Concerns over how much traffic mobile networks can handle

In a recent report concerns have been raised with regards to how much traffic mobile broadband networks will be able to handle given the increasing popularity of mobile broadband

Since mobile broadband was launched it has quickly gained momentum, and the popularity of mobile broadband has rocketed, with some industry officials stating that there are now seven times more people using mobile data since the launch of this technology. However, some have expressed concerns over just how much traffic mobile networks can actually handle given the level of its popularity.

There are worries that the heavy traffic that could come with the rising uptake of mobile broadband could lead to slower downloading and browsing speeds, as well as various other problems relating to heavy traffic. It is therefore essential that providers are equipped to deal with both heavy traffic volumes and the problems that can arise from this.

The CEO of 3, Kevin Russell, said that whilst 3 had tried to prepare for heavier traffic through trials in other countries it had still experienced various unforeseen issues. He said: ‘With mobile broadband, we have seen blockages in areas we didn’t expect, but these have been easy to fix in the short term. We had capacity issues in Sweden and Austria and they were harder to identify. Backhaul and capacity are relevant, and we need to have solutions in place. We are working on it already.’

Recent reports have shown that the level of mobile broadband popularity has grown to such an extent that some industry experts predict that many people may end up getting rid of their traditional landlines at home and move to mobile broadband for the increased flexibility and mobility that it provides.