A new European Commission study has found that people are flocking to use Wi-Fi internet and the trend is set to continue. In 2012, 71 per cent of all EU wireless data traffic was delivered to smartphones and tablets using Wi-Fi, possibly rising to 78 per cent by 2016. The surprising results show how the cheaper cost to consumers of using Wi-Fi hotspots is changing behaviour, and the study recommends extra spectrum be made available across the EU to support this rising demand.
European Commission Vice President Neelie Kroes said: “Wi-Fi is a huge success. It’s a win for everybody involved. I will make sure the European Commission helps to spread use of Wi-Fi through extra spectrum and lighter regulation.”
While 3G/4G networks are essential for truly mobile activity, it is currently expensive to buy the spectrum rights needed to run these networks, consumers pay significant prices to use 3G/4G (for example when roaming), and the networks are already congested in many parts of Europe because of a lack of allocated spectrum.
“Systems where you share your Wi-Fi network with others are a great example of how we can crowd-source a better internet for everyone. Everyone in Europe should be able to benefit from internet when they are away from home and work,” Ms Kroes said.
The combined use of Wi-Fi and other small cell infrastructures can relieve congestion on the 3G/4G networks
The combined use of Wi-Fi and other small cell infrastructures (which complement traditional macro cell mobile base stations) can relieve congestion on the 3G/4G networks by providing “backhaul” functionality outside those networks, while minimising costs to both network operators and users.
Wider use of these technologies could allow operators to save tens of billions of euros as they go about upgrading networks to meet customer demand.
Consumers would save money by using Wi-Fi instead of paying for mobile data when they are actually near a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Small cells can also extend network coverage into hard to reach places, including inside large buildings.
Wi-Fi and LTE small cells are complementary to one another rather than substitutes.
Combining both technologies can help maximise the use of available spectrum while minimising costs by using common backhaul and other site infrastructure.