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.

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