TE Connectivity shows UK consumers unhappy with mobile performance despite 4G rollout
Perhaps unsurprisingly, with the demand for data continuing to grow, only nine percent of mobile users stated that they would choose a 3G or 4G cellular data service over a WiFi connection if it was available. Nearly two thirds (64 percent) claimed this was due to lack of speed, while half (50 percent) blamed their service experience on unreliable network connections.
“It appears that despite operators being aware of the looming capacity crunch, still not enough is being done to provide the data needed for even today’s simplest mobile services,” said Peter Wraight, VP and general manager of the Wireless business unit at TE Connectivity. “There’s no denying that 3G has been a bit of a disappointment, with networks struggling to keep up with escalating demands. As a result, mobile users have had to put up with disrupted services and slow connections on a daily basis. It’s therefore no surprise that although people are increasingly using their mobile devices on the go, they actually have very little faith in networks’ abilities to deliver the data required for the applications and services they want to use. WiFi connections may be thought of as more dependable; however, in reality, they are not always available or convenient, and can also struggle to deliver if a lot of users are connected. The fact that so many users are choosing this over 3G or 4G connections because of speed and reliability, as opposed to cost, is a clear indication that the current network infrastructure is simply not up to scratch.”
“Although 4G is in the process of being rolled out, one of the main challenges operators face is avoiding the disappointment we saw with 3G and actually delivering the performance that customers are expecting,” continued Wraight. “Data draining applications and services, such as social media, video streaming and Augmented Reality, have put tremendous pressure on network operators. Use of these tools and technologies are becoming daily activities for the majority of the population and therefore the pressure is only going to increase.”
The study also revealed the extent of the problems associated with using mobile devices in highly populated public spaces. According to the survey, 60 percent have experienced problems when using their mobile devices at concerts, sporting events, schools, hotels and shopping centres. In addition, less than half (48 percent) stated that they have a good or better mobile performance in the workplace than they do at home. This is going to become more and more problematic as organisations increasingly rely on BYOD, home offices or virtual workplaces.
“Even as the UK starts rolling out 4G networks, capacity is a contentious issue, therefore it is no real surprise that networks are being overwhelmed in areas with higher demand,” continued Wraight. “The problem is that event organisers, property managers and enterprises are depending more and more on mobile devices as a crucial business and communication tool, therefore it can be hugely damaging, let alone frustrating, if users are having to deal with slow data downloads, interrupted streaming and patchy internet access issues that have plagued 3G services. The question arises that if networks are struggling with data demands in a shopping centre, how are they going to cope when 4G has completely rolled out and everyone is demanding these higher rates?”
“While traditional macro tower cellular network architecture was sufficient for 2G services, it is clear to see that the design has been stretched to the limit with 3G,” continued Wraight. “As a result, operators need to address the current infrastructure and invest in small cell architecture solutions, such as Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS). With DAS, operators are able to extend wireless signal from existing macro towers over long distances to exactly where it is needed. What we don’t want is for the UK population not to have the resources their competitors have in other countries that already have 4G up and running successfully and to learn from their experiences. While the UK is considered one of the top leaders in technology, this presents a great opportunity to leapfrog user experience if small cell network architecture is adopted.”
www.johnsonking.com/library/TE_Connectivity_Mobile_Performance_Survey.pdf
www.te.com/das
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