A story in itWorld Canada discussed a Credit Suisse report that suggests that more than a third of network base stations face capacity constraints and networks are operating at 80% utilization levels.
The survey results have led the investment bank to predict sales from network equipment providers, such as Huawei, Nokia Siemens Networks, Ericsson and Alcatel-Lucent.
Consumer demand for high speed data continues to exacerbate network edge and backbone congestion creating capital spending opportunities on both sides of the border. I have heard technical support people suggest that the network will operate better if the user adjusts their handset to use 2G only and shut down the HSPA network. Amazingly, they say this with a deadpan tone of voice – although I am certain that this makes for great coffee room chatter around the call centre.
As smartphone penetration rates continue to rise, together with adoption of attractive streaming video and audio services, networks will continue to be challenged to provide satisfactory user experience.
How is your network provider performing?
The coming year should see increased levels of investment as carriers try to stay ahead of continually increasing demand.