Mobile data has become integral to communication on-the-go, going online, and sharing information with friends, family and coworkers. Since the inception of mobile data, experts have made great strides in improving the speed, quality, and flexibility of mobile data technology. Consequently, the number of consumer and business users reliant on 4G or LTE wireless data has dramatically increased.
It can be difficult to keep up with the ever-changing world of wireless data, but don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Here are 7 surprising facts you probably didn’t know about mobile data usage and trends.
1. Emerging markets are driving 10x Increase in mobile data usage.
The world is transitioning from consuming about 2.5 exabytes a month in 2014 to 25 exabytes a month in 2019, according to a recent study by Cisco. For reference purposes, an exabyte is a billion gigabytes. Most DataXoom customers today utilize a 5 gigabyte data plan.
2. Two of three U.S. adults regularly access the mobile internet.
According to Pew Research, the number of mobile data users has increased drastically. Today, nearly two-thirds (64%) of U.S. adults own devices with mobile data connectivity, up from 35% in 2011. Younger adults as well as those who are more affluent and have higher levels of education are among the most likely groups to most leverage their mobile data access.
3. Many people rely solely on mobile data for internet access.
Of U.S. device owners, 7% are mobile data-dependent, meaning that they do not have home broadband services to provide internet access, and have limited other options when accessing the internet. This is due to a number of factors. For some, using data connectivity on their tablets and smartphones is more affordable. Others find home-based WiFi networks to be slow, or lacking in quality, and prefer the seamless user experience of a 4G LTE connection.
4. Mobile data has become a business necessity.
Apparently, people use mobile data so much that it’s become a necessity. When asked how important mobile data was in their daily lives, 46% said that mobile data is something they “cannot live without.” This comes as no surprise given the extent to which users employ mobile data in their daily lives. Today, mobile data is an essential avenue through which users send emails, engage in social media outlets, and conduct business.
5. Video streaming makes up the majority of mobile data usage.
According to a report published by Cisco Systems, video streaming makes up roughly 53% of all mobile data usage, making video the largest use for mobile data. This may come as a surprise, especially since most users tend to use their devices for communication purposes, rather than entertainment. However, video content requires a large amount of wireless data.
While sending and receiving emails only requires a fraction of a megabyte, some high-quality videos can use up to 10 megabytes. A single TV episode watched on a tablet might burn through a gigabyte (GB) or two of your monthly allotment. While many wireless users may send emails and load web pages more often than they stream videos, videos burn through significantly more data per use.
6. New connected devices are driving mobile internet usage.
Cisco’s projections have individual data usage increasing from approximately 2GB per month in 2014 to almost 11 GB. This increase is expected in part due to more devices being added to the network. Think about not only traditional hardware like mobile hotspots and tablets, but also cars and other gadgets, such as a connected medical device or backup wireless connectivity for a home office.
7. Over the past two years, mobile data network speeds have more than doubled.
In 2014, the average global connection speeds were 1,387 Kilobits per second, up from 526 Kbps in 2013. Experts are constantly improving the speed and quality of mobile data networks. Today’s 4G LTE networks can handle between 5 and 12 Megabits per second. In addition, the major U.S. wireless carriers are in the process of developing new 5G technology, which is predicted to operate at speeds up to 40 times as fast as existing 4G technology.
The world of mobile data is changing every day, but one thing will never change–mobile data plays a crucial role in the everyday lives of both consumers and business users. DataXoom is an MVNO that provides mobile data exclusively to businesses. Interested in what DataXoom can offer your company? Drop a note today! Shoot us an email at sales@dataxoom.com to learn more.
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