Mobile Networks Saturation - Solutions for MNOs

IDATE, May 2010, Pages: 90

At a time where network congestion leads to dropped calls and interruptions in Internet access, this study presents the mobile traffic projections and capacity evaluation of IDATE experts’ based on several case studies The aim of our in-depth analysis is to determine the realities and to provide different scenarios for network saturation up to 2015

Key questions
What are the lessons to be drawn from the sharp growth in mobile data traffic?
What are the bottlenecks explaining the different forms of network saturation?
- congestion in the radio access network and spectrum issues,
- congestion in the backhauling network,
- congestion in the core network.
What are the technical, marketing and strategic options available for mobile operators?
How can 4G/LTE serve congestion issues?
- Traffic Model & Scenarios
Conclusions are based on the results of an in-house model

1. Executive Summary
Mobile data traffic is pushed by several technological and marketing enablers
The long avaited take-off of mobile data traffic is leading to congestion
Congestion is a threat to profitability
There are 4 main bottlenecks
Many options are available

2. Methodology

3. The Sharp Growth in Mobile Data Traffic
3.1. Key drivers
3.1.1. Improved network infrastructures
3.1.2. Improved mobile data-hungry devices
3.1.3. Strong mobile broadband subscribers' growth
3.1.4. Strong data demand
3.1.5. Mobile data plans
3.2. Mobile data traffic is to turn into congestion
3.2.1. Data-consumption driven by smartphones and portables
3.2.2. Data-consumption driven by video
3.3. Consequences of network congestion for MNOs
Higher churn rates
Higher direct loss of revenues
Higher reacquisition costs and the need to increase CRM efforts
Mobile data traffic is increasing faster than related revenues
Network costs become a threat to MNOs' profitability

4. Where Does Saturation Occur in a Mobile Network?
4.1. Various types of network saturation: identified bottlenecks
4.2. Congestion at the radio interface
4.3. Congestion in the backhauling network
4.4. Congestion in the RNC
4.5. Congestion in the core network

5. What Options available to MNOs?
5.1. Adapt the backhauling network
5.1.1. Mobile operators invest in backhauling upgrades
5.1.2. Backhauling technical solutions
5.2. Improve the radio access network
5.2.1. Add new cell sites
5.2.2. Add small cells and picocells
5.2.3. Add urban femtocells
5.2.4. Cell splitting and sectorisation
5.2.5. Antennas enhancements
5.2.6. Switch to HSPA+
5.2.7. Accelerate LTE deployment
5.2.8. Buy additional spectrum / use refarming
5.2.9. Use emerging technologies
5.3. Offload mobile data traffic
5.3.1. Wi-Fi offload
5.3.2. Use femtocells capabilities for offloading
5.3.3. Consider the use of broadcast/multicast networks and capabilities
5.4. Improve the data traffic management
5.4.1. Adapt the core network
5.4.2. Manage the type of data traffic in the network
5.4.3. Optimise the applications running on smartphones

6. Traffic Model and Scenarios
6.1. Presentation
6.2. Main hypothesis
6.2.1. Frequency bands, data rates and capacity
6.2.2. Worldwide mobile traffic
6.3. Conservative scenario
6.4. Strong growth scenario
6.5. Large city
6.6. Conclusions on modeling

7. Conclusions for MNOs
7.1. Conclusions on traffic and capacity model
Wireless mobile data traffic is expected to
increase sharply over the 2010-2015 period
No theoretical congestion problems
Dense urban areas are the biggest area of concern
7.2. Conclusions from options for MNOs
Carrier strategies will depend on their particular situation on the market place
Rising data demand can be met without exponential increase in CAPEX
What alternatives are favoured?
7.3. Conclusions MNOs global strategies
7.3.1. Speed up 4G deployment
7.3.2. Improve Wi-Fi coverage

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