Mobile Traffic Forecast to Reach 131,000 Petabytes in 2018

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Image credit: Francesco d’Elia

[Satellite TODAY 06-03-13] Global mobile data traffic expanded to 69 percent in 2012 and is anticipated to grow to 72 percent in 2013 to reach 23,000 Petabytes. By 2018 total mobile data traffic will likely surpass 131,000 petabytes, according to ABI Research.

“There are indications that mobile carriers have a number of options to handle the traffic loads,” said Jake Saunders, vice president and practice director for core forecasting at ABI Research.

Based on an ABI Research report, strategic options are available for mobile carriers to better manage the expanding mobile data traffic outlook.

Network architecture options are available as mobile operators can optimize their network base station assets to make the best possible reuse of their allocated spectrum. As of 2013 first quarter, only a handful of mobile operators have fully engaged on a small cell strategy that incorporates Wi-Fi hotspots and small cell 4G LTE base stations. Operators that have adopted a comprehensive small cell strategy include Softbank NTT DoCoMo, SK Telecom, KT, Uplus and in the last week, Verizon Wireless.