Data usage across mobile networks has doubled each year over the past few years and continues to grow without any indication of slowing down. Though demand projections differ, the idea of 1000x growth defines the future of data usage on mobile networks. The question that the industry has to answer now is whether 1000x growth can be supported. Apparently, it can be and that is why networks are taking drastic steps and focusing on meeting the challenge. The solution appears to be a blend of the technological developments and human innovation to tackle big challenges.
Usually the expression 1000 times or a million times is used in an exaggerated situation to convey the magnanimity of something, but when it comes to mobile networks and data usage, this is more of a reality than an overstatement. At the moment, users do not have anything to worry about, but in the coming years most carriers are going to face a severe spectrum crunch. Once networks get overloaded, speeds will need to be reduced and network congestion will become an altogether more pervasive reality. Connections will become more unreliable and server downtime might become commonplace. The first step for mobile networks is to improve their existing infrastructure and roll out more 3G, 4G and even Wi-Fi networks, but the key to the solution will lie in optimized usage of the available network and bandwidth.
A viable solution is to support the existing macro network i.e. radio towers, with small cells. These are already popular with network operators and can be deployed indoors and outdoors. They can be designed to provide a mixture of 3G, 4G and Wi-Fi networks in a single unit and come in various forms such as antennas, radio heads etc. However, operators will have to ensure that the small cells do not interfere with each other and with the macro network. If interference can be minimized, carriers will be able to utilize available spectrum efficiently and to its full capacity.
A modified alternative to carriers setting up small cell towers is to allow consumers install the small cells. This will save time and money for the operators and increase network penetration at the same time. The small cells can also be optimized to run on higher spectra such as the 3.5GHz band, which is currently underutilized. Another suggested method to improve capacity is to share government spectrum, but that may not be feasible to any viable extent. Whatever the method adopted, carriers and the government alike will have to move fast, because the FCC has already predicted a severe spectrum crunch in the coming years. If carriers like AT&T and Verizon are to continue offering high speed wireless internet access, capacity utilization and optimization is perhaps the only long term solution to the predicted problems.
