Report Suggests Possibility of Open Access for Mobile Broadband Users in Future
A new report has suggested that mobile broadband, especially with the introduction of new technologies, is likely to start providing the subscribers open access to all networks in the near future.
The report, titled “European Mobile Broadband Melee between 3G LTE and Mobile WiMAX”, released by Frost and Sullivan talks about the two new technologies everyone is looking forward to - 3G LTE and WiMAX. According to the report, the number of 3G LTE users is set to shoot up to 22.4 million by the year 2013.
The company says that data downloading by mobile broadband users has risen; they are already downloading six to fourteen times more data than they used to download only a year back. The phenomenal growth can be gauged from the fact that an average mobile broadband user is currently downloading as much as 5GB data per month now.
Frost and Sullivan did not promote the case of either of the two technologies, but said that both LTE and WiMAX may finally see a level playing field achieved through an open access system in which any device can connect to any network, irrespective of the technology being used.
The report however emphasised the need to restructure tariffs more innovatively, moving away from flat fee structures and traffic caps. Luke Thomas, programme manager at Frost and Sullivan, says that providers should consider getting new tariff structures in place while keeping in mind that they remain transparent and easy to understand for the customers. For instance some of the recent free laptop promotions haven’t been clear in their pricing, leaving consumers unaware they may be paying higher tariff charges in the long run. For info on the free laptop option, take a look at Mobile Broadband Genie for a clear and independent view of the offers.
He also suggests that QoS policies should be enforced and prioritisation of access should be followed in order to provide a better service to the users.
