Experts are of the view that mobile broadband networks have started feeling the pressure due to heavy usage. Adding to the worry is the possibility that the situation is likely to worsen further as mobile data traffic grows exponentially. The growing popularity of 3G smartphones and broadband are playing a significant role in increased data traffic.

According to telecoms analyst Informa Telecoms and Media, mobile data traffic will increase 25 times by 2012. With the networks already feeling the strain in handling the current heavy usage, it can be well predicted that the situation will become worse if proper steps are not taken to resolve the problem. If the situation persists, then very soon, the problem will start affecting the actual user experience.

Informa analyst Dimitris Mavrakis said networks in developed markets like America and the UK are moving towards saturation. He added that bottlenecks in data-centric areas like London and New York are seen quite often. Mavrakis suggested that the service providers have three solutions at hand to resolve the impending crisis – install network optimization products, upgrade base stations, or ignore the problem.

The solution to the problem can be provided by LTE, which is the next generation of mobile broadband. However, a full-fledged implementation of LTE will be possible only by 2011 or 2012, although, some early rollouts could be possible next year. Hence, the solution can be provided by HSPA+, which is a stepping-stone between HSPA and LTE. This technology will help improve the current situation temporarily before LTE is fully implemented.

If you haven’t yet joined the ranks of mobile broadband users, why not take a look at a dedicated site offering unlimited mobile broadband options, where you will be given all the information you need about each of the ISPs on a comparative table of UK mobile broadband providers to help guide you through the decision process.

A survey by TyreSafe, a non-profit organisation set up to boost awareness about tyre safety among drivers, found that a number of company car drivers fail to take simple safety precautions with respect to tyre safety.

During the survey, a good 25% of company car drivers admitted that they have never conducted a tyre check on the vehicle they drive. An additional 41% claimed that they had not checked the tyres in the past 6 months. Failure to check the tyres for usability and depth of tread can cause serious accidents that may lead to injuries and even death.

The drivers and owners need to take the issue seriously and put in place specific systems to ensure that such accidents can be avoided, believes TyreSafe. The Chairman of TyreSafe, Stuart Jackson, reiterated the point by stating that the onus of responsibility for these precautions rests on both the company and the driver. Each driver is required to take responsibility for his vehicle and the company is required to make sure that its drivers are conducting the necessary checks properly.

The issue assumes great importance with company fleets, as company cars cover a good 20,000 miles every year, which is significantly higher than private vehicles. A proper check as part of health and safety responsibilities once a month is enough to ensure that the vehicle is indeed in good condition.

TyreSafe suggests a simple technique for checking the depth of tyre tread. It is termed the ‘lifesaver in your pocket’ initiative. Drivers have to insert a 20p coin into the deepest groove among the treads of a tyre. If the coin does not fully disappear from view, then the tread may have been eroded. In such a case, an examination by a professional is necessary.

According to road safety laws, tyres should conform to the legal requirement of 1.6mm thickness across the central three-quarters of the tread. Failure to conform to this regulation can lead to penalties and fines.

Accredited courses by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health can assist companies in training staff to be aware of the proper health and safety procedures for all kinds of workplace situations. The IOSH Managing Safely Course is for managers and supervisors in any sector and any organisation. It is designed to give managers all they need to know to help handle health and safety in their teams.