There have been many recent predictions about the growth of mobile data traffic. Typically, these extrapolate from current predictions regarding smartphone and smart device uptake and proliferation. But what if smartphones achieve new price points and unlock millions more users? Recent research suggests that the $100 smartphone may be very close indeed.
If more affordable devices lead to an explosion of users, what will be the effect on data usage then? Will it mean that current data usage estimates need to be revised?
It will be interesting to find out. As the research suggests, affordable smartphones will become the primary means of internet access in regions with limited fixed line penetration. If this is the case, perhaps internet traffic forecasts will need to be re-written?
What’s more, the new users will likely want to leverage the smartphone capabilities and access higher value services and more demanding applications, compounding the problem. The result is likely to increase the need for operators to secure visibility and control of subscriber usage – and present opportunities for innovative solutions to be deployed.
