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“3G operators have been reporting annual increases of 300 to 700%in 3G data traffic volumes.”
“We forecast future 3G traffic volumes and quantify 3G network capacities to answer the big question—will 3G networks cope?”
A report by Dr Alastair Brydon and Dr Mark Heath
Will 3G Networks Cope?
3G traffic and capacity forecasts, 2009–2014
Brings together 3G traffic and capacity forecasts for the first time.
Since 2007, 3G networks worldwide have experienced substantial traffic growth, due to strong take-up of mobile broadband services and the initial migration of 2/2.5G users to 3G services. Operators have reported annual increases in 3G data traffic volumes of 300—700%.
While 3G traffic volume increases have been manageable so far—because volumes have increased from very low levels—we forecast further large traffic volume increases, due to rapid migration of 2/2.5G users to 3G services, increasing proportions of smartphones and USB modems/ datacards and the introduction of HSPA+ and LTE.
For some 3G operators, today’s HSPA networks will not support 3G traffic volumes for long, and they have big decisions to make.
Will 3G Networks Cope? answers your key questions:
> How will the service mix on a range of 3G devices (basic phones, smartphones and USB modems/datacards) evolve over the next five years?
> By how much will 3G traffic volumes increase in the next five years?
> What capacities will HSPA, HSPA+ and LTE networks realistically provide?
> Will 3G network capacity keep up with traffic volume increases? When will HSPA networks run out of capacity?
> When will HSPA+ and LTE be necessary, and what spectrum will be required?
> What are the implications for different types of 3G operator?
The risks are huge. 3G volumes are increasing dramatically and HSPA networks may not be able to support these increases for long.
This report is unique in bringing together forecasts for 3G traffic volumes and network capacities.
The report identifies the technologies 3G operators should invest in, and when.
It quantifies how much spectrum will be required, and when.
The report defines the best strategy for different types of 3G operator.
OVERVIEW: WHAT YOU GET
> 120 pages, 35 figures, 24 tables and 30,000 words.
> Usage forecasts for 2009—2014 derived from a comprehensive usage model.
> Quantification of network capacities for HSPA, HSPA+, LTE and LTE-Advance, for different spectrum allocations and deployment scenarios.
> Modelling of complementary delivery mechanisms to 3G macrocells, including WLAN access points, femtocells, broadcasting networks and sideloading.
> Evaluation of different types of 3G operator.
WHY YOU NEED THIS REPORT
Dr Alastair Brydon and Dr Mark Heath co-founded Unwired Insight Limited in 2001, following many years experience in network operators and equipment vendors. Unwired Insight provides research and consultancy in wireless technologies and services.
This is the first report under the Unwired Insight brand.
Previously, Unwired Insight has authored over 40 mobile industry reports published by Analysys Mason. These include:
- 3G-Infrastructure Sharing: the future for mobile networks
- Femtocells in the Consumer Market: business case and marketing plan
- The Business Case for WiMAX
- The Future of the Global Wireless Industry
- 3G Network Evolution from 2007 to 2012: HSPA+, LTE, WiMAX and femtocells
- The Acceleration of Fixed—Mobile Substitution in Western Europe: facts and figures
- The World’s Top Ten Non-voice Services.
Their reports have been purchased by over 100 companies worldwide, including the world’s leading operators, and network infrastructure vendors.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Prior to joining Unwired Insight, Alastair Brydon reported to Nokia’s European management team and worked with many of Nokia’s customers to implement market firsts ranging from the introduction of prepaid mobile tariffs to new massmarket content services. Previously, Alastair worked in a number of roles for the BT Group, focusing on the evolution of wireless technologies, networks and services. He also contributed to international research and standardisation of GSM, DECT and 3G. Alastair holds BSc and PhD degrees from UMIST, where he was awarded the IEE Prize for top student.
Prior to Unwired Insight, Mark Heath held a number of marketing and business development roles in Nokia, ultimately defining strategy and business development across Europe. Previously, Mark was responsible for business planning at BT Cellnet in the UK, after spending six years at BT in wireless systems research and development. He holds BSc and PhD degrees from the University of Leeds, winning the University prize for his research in telecommunications. Mark also holds an MBA, graduating as top student from Henley Management College.
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1:Will 3G networks cope with future traffic volumes?
1.1: 3G networks have been underutilised
1.2: 3G traffic volumes have increased substantially since 2007
1.3: Several factors will continue to drive 3G traffic volumes
1.4: Migration of 2/2.5G users to 3G services will drive 3G traffic
1.5: Increased penetration of USB modems and datacards will drive 3G traffic
1.6: Increased penetration of smartphones will drive 3G traffic
1.7: Affordable pricing will drive 3G traffic
1.8: Changing service mixes will drive 3G traffic
1.9: Cellular network improvements will drive 3G traffic
1.10: Increasing availability of easy-to-use applications will drive 3G traffic
1.11: Greater indoor usage of 3G devices will drive 3G traffic
1.12: There are big risks as 3G traffic volumes continue to increase
Chapter 2: 3G enhancements will boost capacity and performance
2.1: There are a number of significant 3G enhancements
2.2: HSDPA has already been widely deployed
2.3: HSUPA brings significant improvements in uplink speeds
2.4: There is increasing momentum behind HSPA+
2.5: LTE deployment will start in 2010
2.6: LTE-Advanced will eventually extend the performance of LTE even further
2.7: Average throughput – not peak data rate – determines network capacity
2.8: Network capacity could be improved in three ways
2.9: 3G operators differ in their customer numbers and spectrum allocations
2.10: We have derived realistic 3G network capacities
2.11: 3G performance will continue to lag fixed broadband networks
2.12: 3G operators will need to swiftly upgrade backhaul capabilities
Chapter 3: Complementary service deliverymethods could relieve 3G
3.1: There are a number of complementary delivery methods to 3G
3.2: Mobile TV broadcasting solutions could carry multimedia content
3.3: Indoor systems could carry a significant proportion of indoor traffic
3.4: Sideloading could provide guaranteed quality of service in any location
Chapter 4: Traffic growthmust be quantified to enable network evolution decisions
4.1: We have developed a comprehensive service and traffic model
4.2: We have modelled significant increases in 3G device penetration
4.3: We have modelled changes in the mix of 3G devices
4.4: We have modelled complex changes in the 3G service mix
4.5: We have modelled big differences in the traffic intensity of services
4.6: We have modelled the impact of complementary delivery methods
4.7: We have derived forecasts for service traffic levels
Chapter 5:We have forecast 3G traffic volumes for twomarket scenarios
5.1: We have forecast service usage and traffic volumes for two market scenarios
5.2: In the wireless-only scenario, wireless services will compete with fixed
5.3: In the integrated scenario, fixed broadband connections will be utilised
5.4: Overall mobile penetration will reach a higher level in the wireless-only scenario
5.5: Voice usage will continue to increase in both scenarios
5.6: In the wireless-only scenario, 3G USB modems and datacards will substitute for fixed broadband
5.7: In the integrated scenario, 3G USB modems and datacards will be complementary to fixed broadband
5.8: Average monthly data usage per 3G USB modem/datacard will reach 10.5GB by 2014 in the wireless-only scenario
5.9: While USB modems/datacards will represent only 16%of 3G devices, they will contribute 73.5% of all 3G data usage in 2014
5.10: Video streaming and downloads will contribute the largest proportions of total data usage
5.11: Data services will account for about 99%of total service usage by 2014
5.12: Under 10%of service usage will be carried by broadcasting networks by 2014 in both scenarios
5.13: About 14% of service usage will be delivered using indoor systems by 2014 in the integrated scenario
5.14: More than one-fifth of service usage will be delivered using sideloading by 2014 in the integrated scenario
5.15: 3G cellular networks will carry 77% of total 3G device traffic by 2014
Chapter 6: Incumbent 3G operators face major challenges in the wireless-only scenario
6.1: We have modelled incumbent and new-entrant 3G operators
6.2: 3G capacity per device will decline substantially for incumbent 3G operators
6.3: Some incumbent 3G operators will face HSPA capacity problems in 2010
6.4: There are short-term strategies for incumbent 3G operators to delay HSPA capacity problems
6.5: New-entrant 3G operators will have a significant short-term competitive advantage in the wireless-only scenario
6.6: Incumbent 3G operators will face a number of critical issues in the wireless-only scenario
6.7: LTE will be an essential upgrade for all types of 3G operator, with additional spectrum required
6.8: HSPA+ will co-exist with LTE for many years
Chapter 7: 3G operatorsmust take action to cope with 3G traffic increases
7.1: 3G operators must evaluate their own circumstances
7.2: 3G new entrants can seize short-term opportunities for fixed–mobile substitution
7.3: Incumbent 3G operators must try to avoid an early HSPA capacity shortfall
7.4: Incumbent 3G operators should carefully review their marketing and technology strategies
7.5: All 3G operators should plan to deploy LTE and evolve quickly to Ethernet backhaul solutions
Glossary
Figure 1: Factors that will further drive 3G traffic volumes
Figure 2: Structure of service and traffic model for wireless devices
Figure 3: Forecast average traffic per 3G device, split by delivery method, in the wirelessonly scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 4: Forecast average traffic per 3G device, split by delivery method, in the integrated scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 5: 3G network capacity per device for an incumbent 3G operator, 2008–2014
Figure 6: 3G network capacity per device for a new-entrant 3G operator, 2008–2014
Figure 7: HSPA network capacity per device and forecast traffic per device for an incumbent 3G operator, for the wireless-only scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 8: HSPA network capacity per device and forecast traffic per device for an incumbent 3G operator for the wireless-only scenario with accelerated 3G migration, 2008–2014
Figure 9: Factors that will further drive 3G traffic volumes
Figure 10: 3G penetration for selected 3G operators, March 2005–March 2009
Figure 11: Mobile broadband penetration as a proportion of the population, for selected European countries, January 2009 [Source: European Commission, 2009]
Figure 12: Fixed broadband penetration as a proportion of the population, for selected European countries, January 2009 [Source: European Commission, 2009]
Figure 13: Forecast for global smartphone unit shipments, 2006–2014
Figure 14: Calculation of realistic monthly network capacity and network capacity per device
Figure 15: Calculated HSPA network capacities for incumbent and new-entrant 3G operators
Figure 16: Distribution methods for delivery of services and content to 3G devices
Figure 17: Structure of service and traffic model for 3G devices
Figure 18: Wireless devices modelled to derive traffic forecasts
Figure 19: Structure of service and traffic model for wireless devices
Figure 20: Penetration of devices (as a proportion of the population) in the wireless-only scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 21: Penetration of wireless devices (as a proportion of the population) in the integrated scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 22: Average voice usage for each device type in the wireless-only scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 23: Average voice usage for each device type in the integrated scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 24: Average data usage per 3G device in the wireless-only scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 25: Average data usage per 3G device in the integrated scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 26: Contribution of different devices to the overall data usage per 3G device in the wireless-only scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 27: Contribution of different devices to the overall data usage per 3G device in the integrated scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 28: Average data usage per 3G device, split by service, in the wireless-only scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 29: Average data usage per 3G device, split by data service, in the integrated scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 30: Average service usage per 3G device, split by service, in the wireless-only scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 31: Average service usage per 3G device, split by service, in the integrated scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 32: Proportion of service usage delivered by broadcasting networks in the wirelessonly scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 33: Proportion of service usage delivered by broadcasting networks in the integrated scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 34: Proportion of service usage delivered by indoor systems in the wireless-only scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 35: Proportion of service usage delivered by indoor systems in the integrated scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 36: Proportion of service usage delivered by sideloading in the wireless-only scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 37: Proportion of service usage delivered by sideloading in the integrated scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 38: Forecast average traffic per 3G device, split by delivery method, in the wireless only scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 39: Forecast average traffic per 3G device, split by delivery method, in the integrated scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 40: 3G network capacity per device for an incumbent 3G operator, 2008–2014
Figure 41: 3G network capacity per device for a new-entrant 3G operator, 2008–2014
Figure 42: HSPA network capacity per device and forecast 3G traffic per device for an incumbent 3G operator, for the wireless-only scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 43: HSPA network capacity per device and 3G traffic per device for an incumbent 3G operator, with accelerated 3G migration, for the wireless-only scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 44: HSPA network capacity per device and 3G traffic per device for an incumbent 3G operator, with slow 2G to 3G migration, for the wireless-only scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 45: HSPA network capacity per device and forecast 3G traffic per device for an incumbent 3G operator for the integrated scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 46: HSPA network capacity per device and 3G traffic per device for an incumbent 3G operator, with slow 2G to 3G migration, for the integrated scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 47: HSPA network capacity per device and forecast 3G traffic per device for a new entrant 3G operator in the wireless-only scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 48: HSPA network capacity per device and forecast 3G traffic per device for a new entrant 3G operator in the integrated scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 49: Network capacity per device for different 3G enhancements, and forecast 3G traffic per device for an incumbent 3G operator for the wireless-only scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 50: Network capacity per device for different 3G enhancements, and 3G traffic per device for an incumbent 3G operator for the integrated scenario, 2008–2014
Figure 51: LTE network capacity per device and forecast 3G traffic per device for an incumbent 3G operator in the wireless-only scenario
Figure 52: LTE network capacity per device and forecast 3G traffic per device for a new entrant 3G operator in the wireless-only scenario
Figure 53: LTE network capacity per device and forecast 3G traffic per device for an incumbent 3G operator in the integrated scenario
For full details, please email keithw@cmsinfo.com
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