WiFi Offload: why the time is right for mobile network providers

Posted on May 23, 2012

4G has become a hot topic in 2012, particularly with the launching of several prominent 4G-compatible devices from Samsung, LG, HTC, and others. However, Informa Telecoms & Media predict that 70% of mobile internet traffic is being carried by WiFi. Consequently, it has been suggested that massive investments in 4G networks should not be considered the be-all-and-end-all of the mobile data picture. As a leader in WiFi offloading, Devicescape believes that the two approaches must complement each other in order to provide the best service for consumers. The development of upcoming 4G networks has received heavy investment as 3G networks struggle to cope with the rapidly growing quantity of mobile data-traffic. This is through no fault of the network providers; it’s simply a constraint of physics, and an increase in adoption of smartphones. Smartphones are set to outnumber the human population this year, and a finite amount of bandwidth can only support a finite amount of data. Improving mobile networks is essential, but it is time to fully embrace the fact that they cannot operate alone. Users now expect immediate mobile internet access at will. For this to continue it is imperative that WiFi and carrier networks complement each other,…