WIth more and more people owning their own smart devices, data that is previously accessed from computers is now accessed while they are on the go. According to Strategy Analytics forecast, "Handset Data Traffic (2001-2017)," mobile data traffic is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32% from 5 exabytes per year in 2013. Data accessed through Wifi is also adding to the numbers as WiFi hotspots are made available in more locations and access between mobile and WiFi becomes increasingly seamless. The quality implications will drive Commuication Service Providers to enhance their solutions to ensure better management and delivery of data traffic to the smart devices.
David MacQueen, Executive Director, at Strategy Analytics, noted, "Data traffic has been almost doubling annually as smartphone penetration has increased and attractive, compelling media services have launched. As developed markets mature we expect a slowdown in traffic growth to a 32% compound annual growth rate from 2012 onward, but this nonetheless sees carriers forced to find novel ways to handle huge volumes of traffic which will rise from 5 exabytes of data per year to over 21 exabytes per annum by 2017."
