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The Mobile Internet in 2017

The Mobile Internet in 2017 Image Credit: Flash Networks

In 2017, the exponential increase in smart devices, mobile apps, and streaming high definition video will further strain mobile networks already pressed to the limit. Mobile operators will scramble to meet subscribers demand for a superior quality of experience, vital for maintaining their competitiveness and positive brand image.

Next year operators will look for the right combination of software technologies to meet high expectations while at the same time improving operational effectiveness.

Here are the top six trends we predict for 2017.

#1: Virtualization of operator networks

The more efficient network management, decrease in costs through the use of generic hardware platforms, and improved time-to-market for new services will make virtualized networks a central part of most mobile operators’ plans next year. Recent market research revealed that 81% of mobile operators plan to deploy virtual networks by 2017.

#2: Personalized network services

Mobile data consumers are more aware than ever about their network quality of experience. Mobile operators are competing fiercely to provide the fastest data download speeds and smooth video streaming. To satisfy the needs of these mobile data subscribers, mobile operators will deliver services that will enable network users to pay for the superior network experience that they demand, for example mobile data packages tailored for train commuters, and unlimited streaming of TV series.

Eli Cohen,
CBO,
Flash Networks

#3: Evolution of the RAN

The year ahead will bring new signaling traffic due to growing connectivity requirements brought on by the dynamic growth of mobile apps and connected smart devices. Improving signaling efficiency to squeeze the best customer experience from existing resources will become a cost effective strategy to help mobile operators provide more connections with the same amount of network resources.

#4: Operators will address infected traffic

As mobile access has grown, so have mobile security threats, and mobile operators will become more active players to protect subscribers. The threats are real and keep multiplying. For example, cyber thieves are installing malware to enable them to steal banking credentials from unsuspecting consumers when they log on to their bank accounts via their mobile phones. Recently Apple urged some iPhone users to update their software due to a security flaw that could allow a hacker to remotely take control of their operating system.

#5: IoT jamming up mobile networks

As the Internet of Things becomes a reality, mobile operators will look for different methods to manage traffic based on the different types of transmissions. For example turning on air conditioning while commuting has very different network requirements than streaming video to observe a pool cleaner, house cleaner, or babysitter. There will be a need to accommodate different types of uses of smart devices, there may even be different networks with dedicated spectrum for connectivity with low energy requirements.

2017 promises to be a challenging year, with the deployment of new technologies and services that demand connectivity while still meeting the demand for an excellent quality of experience. The mobile operators who will come out on top are those who can keep ahead of the traffic boom, while launching new optimization and revenue generating services that will keep the network safe with the superior network performance that their customers expect.

About The Author:
Eli Cohen joined Flash Networks in 2016, bringing over 20 years of experience managing global sales teams and developing channels and OEM accounts. From 2014 to 2016, Eli served as Founder & CEO of ThinAir Power, a leading venture in the domain of power over WiFi. Previously, Eli served two years as Vice President Global Sales for Siklu Communication Inc., a provider of millimeter wave wireless connectivity radios. For four years Eli served as Vice President of International Sales for Allot Communications Ltd. where he was responsible for managing the global sales organization as well as the associated channels/partners structure. Eli worked at ECI Telecom for six years where he served as Vice President of Sales and Sales Operations. Eli has a B.Sc. in Electronic Engineering and Telecommunications from Coventry University and an M.B.A. from Manchester University.

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