3
Network Capacity and Usage Scenarios
The way in which mobile networks will be used in the future depends on many factors. This chapter discusses the current state of 2G, 3G and B3G networks and how a rise in capacity could affect usage in the future. Since capacity is limited, this chapter also takes a look at how to steer the use of mobile network resources from a financial point of view and if it is still possible to link profitability with how much a user spends per month for using a network.
3.1 Usage in Developed Markets and Emerging Economies
In developed markets, the use of the Internet to communicate is still mainly bound to specific places where DSL, cable or other broadband connections are available. Wi-Fi has become very popular in recent years due to its ability to un-tether users and allow them to move with their devices through their offices and homes. Small portable devices with built-in wireless connectivity have also become very popular. Wi-Fi has thus created a virtual Internet bubble around people. Anssi Vanjoki of Nokia describes this phenomenon, saying that ‘broadband Internet is no longer a socket in the wall’. When the majority of people today leave their homes and offices, however, they leave their personal Internet bubble and instantly lose connectivity. Today, 3.5G networks can already fill this void as enough capacity is available for people using converged Wi-Fi/cellular devices. Future converged 3.5G/Wi-Fi devices will automatically detect this change ...
