April 30th, 2009 by Administrator

The analyst firm, Frost and Sullivan, has published a report, which estimates the number of 3G LTE users at 22.4 million by the year 2013. The report, titled “European Mobile Broadband Melee between 3G LTE and Mobile WiMAX”, describes the appeal of mobile broadband connections to the users, and predicts that this will drive up the number of mobile broadband subscribers significantly in the coming years. It also mentions that the number of mobile broadband users would soon surpass the number of fixed-line users.

In comparison with last year’s figures, it was found that mobile broadband users now download around six to fourteen times more data. The average download rate currently is at 5GB per month and is likely to keep increasing for some time.

The next generation of mobile broadband service is likely to evolve into a system whereby operators can make use of open access policies, under which a device will be able to connect with any kind of network. This is in stark contrasts with the model being used today, under which a user can make use of only one dedicated network. The report however refuses to take sides with either of the two rival mobile broadband technologies - LTE and WiMAX.

Frost and Sullivan are of the opinion that pricing of mobile broadband services should be revamped. At the release of the report, Programme Manager at Frost & Sullivan, Luke Thomas, said that operators must come up with better strategies and pricing in order to differentiate from the competition. He emphasised the importance of evolving innovative pricing models, which are both transparent and easy to figure out for the users.

He also recommended the use of quality-of-service methodologies and innovative techniques like prioritised access to provide the users with a better internet experience.

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