Nokia’s annual MBiT Index study on mobile broadband performance in India says mobile traffic grew by 50 per cent in 2015. It says a “growing device ecosystem and increased adoption of multimedia services will boost traffic further as 4G LTE networks are rolled out across the country” in the coming months. In 2015, 3G traffic outpaced 2G across all circles for the first time thanks to a mature network, device and content ecosystem. “3G device penetration more than doubled during the year while new network launches and expansions in existing circles boosted data adoption beyond larger towns and cities,” the release said. Incidentally, video and social networking now make up 60% of data traffic. Average monthly data usage for 3G surpassed 750 MB per subscriber and, with operators poised to launch 4G LTE networks, faster data speeds will fuel an even greater surge in traffic, says the fifth edition of the report.Sandeep Girotra, Vice President and Head of India Market, Nokia said aggressive 3G network expansion in existing circles and new launches by operators have been instrumental in increasing data traffic in India. “It is expected that this data traffic growth will be boosted in coming years by the auction of additional spectrum, an increase in smartphone penetration and the development of the content ecosystem. Moreover, the rapid evolution of the device ecosystem, supported by a decline in prices, presents significant growth opportunities for operators as they launch and expand 4G LTE networks in coming years.” The report said 2G still has the potential to drive internet adoption in Category B and C circles. “With evolving device support for 3G carrier aggregation, operators could potentially offer DC-HSPA as a substitute for 4G LTE in some circles in the short term,” said the report, adding that the 4G LTE device ecosystem will continue to grow with decline in device prices.
[“Source-indianexpress”]
