Brussels, 01/08/2013 (Agence Europe) - Wi-Fi internet is a growing trend. According to a new European Commission study published on 1 August, 71% of all EU wireless data traffic in 2012 was delivered to smart-phones and tablets using Wi-Fi, possibly rising to 78% by 2016. These 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. “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”, promised Neelie Kroes, the commissioner responsible for the digital agenda.
While 3G/4G networks are essential for truly mobile activity, it is currently expensive to buy the spectrum rights needed to run these networks, which means consumers pay considerable prices to use 3G/4G (for example, when roaming). Also, these networks are beginning to become saturated 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”, Kroes said.
The combined uses 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 euro 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.
By way of conclusion, the study recommends: 1) making spectrum from 5150 MHz to 5025 MHz available globally for Wi-Fi; 2) continuing to make the 2.6 GHz and the 3.5 GHz bands fully available for mobile use and consulting on future licensing options for 3.5 GHz and other potential new licensed mobile frequency banks; and 3) reducing the administrative burden on the deployment of off-load services and networks in public locations. (IL/transl.jl)