3G near collapse, Wi-Fi is the way forward

Hazel Rycroft

THE NETWORKS that are dealing with mobile Internet are on the verge of a “meltdown”, according to the UK’s largest Wi-Fi provider. 

The traffic on mobile networks providing 3G is increasing by a factor of ten each year, which will presumably increase exponentially over the course of the next year. A new report, which has been compiled by The Cloud and Exane BNP Paribas, claims that something needs to be done about the growth of 3G. The report also states that if nothing is done about the situation then 3G will have broken down by the end of the year.

3G is available on most modern phones; the pressure that is put on the networks providing the service is phenomenal. Network browsing on mobile phones is expected to perform so many tasks: stream videos from i-player, connect to YouTube and to upload quickly to social networking sites. The demands that are placed on the networks means that the service is struggling to cope. 

“Recognising this trend and acknowledging it is not something that can be contained is a tough call for the mobile industry… Ultimately the best device to enable the connection and easy access is what the customer is going to choose – be that a mobile phone or a more device that is Wi-Fi enabled” said Steve Nicholson, chief executive (CEO) of The Cloud, in a statement.

Steve Nicholson has a point, although mobile networks are going to be reluctant to pass on business to other service providers, as it would take away revenue.

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