A new report conducted by WIK and Aegis for the European Commission has found that 71% of all EU wireless data traffic last year was delivered to smartphones and tablets using WiFi. This could rise to 78% by 2016, the report claims, with consumers increasingly using their mobile devices at home or work.
The study recommends that extra spectrum is made available to support this rising demand, particularly as it’s significantly cheaper than 3G and 4G mobile service for many consumers.
Neelie Kroes, European Commission Vice President, said “Wi-Fi is a huge success. It’s a win for everybody involved. I will make sure the European Commission helps to spread use of Wi-Fi through extra spectrum and lighter regulation. Systems where you share your Wi-Fi network with others are a great example of how we can crowd-source a better internet for everyone. Everyone in Europe should be able to benefit from internet when they are away from home and work.”
The demand for mobile data traffic is expected to grow by 66% per year between 2012 and 2017.
[Study in EU Bookshop]