Most of us have busy schedules, and over the last two decades technology has developed to create devices focused on making life easier for us all. Terms like IoT, connected living, and smart devices have become commonplace. We expect a certain speed on our mobile devices, 4G is now available in most locations, a bare minimum of 3G connectivity is a must.
As more aspects of our everyday lives become ‘smart’ there is a significant increase in data being transmitted. But with the number of connected devices set to grow even further due to rising demand, so is the strain on operator networks, as shown in a new report from Transaction Network Services (TNS) - 84% of US adults now own a connected device and 62% feel it improves quality of life additionally, 67% of men and 58% of women said that connected devices improved their quality of life which is a significant increase from a few years ago.
The TNS independent survey findings conform with the Cisco Visual Network Index findings that estimate that there will be billions of 4G and IoT connections by 2020.
TNS’ independent survey report of Operator IoT Intelligence also find noticeable patterns in the adoption of connected devices that are important for business, including the types of devices being taken on, their approach to the new technology, as well as the future effect of the technology within the business.
Areas of concern are also revealed within the survey with a majority related to security issues, with 72% concerned about privacy and safety of their personal information, of that, 70% are worried that revealing their location is an added risk to personal safety.
“Our research confirms that connected devices have secured a strong foothold in today’s way of life and look set to remain this way,” says Bill Versen, Chief Product Officer at TNS. “The key takeaway for operators is that to effectively support subscribers in their adoption of the Internet of Things they must make important strategic moves now to ensure adequate network capacity and coverage. Infrastructure must be able to handle growing levels of traffic from a diverse range of sources as the web of participating organizations becomes more complex. Interoperability is essential as data starts to flow from wearables, connected cars, vending machines, and appliances, for example.”
As a network operator, it is essential to keep up with demands and be constantly vigilant of ways to increase network bandwidth while maintaining efficiency, quality, and costs. To help lower data consumption and reduce file sizes TNS provides a hosted compression and optimization solution which can cut file sizes by up to 40% - TNS Mobile Data Optimization increases available bandwidth while cutting down backhaul costs and roaming data traffic as well as the fees associated with data roaming. To help to guarantee consistent optimized web and video content delivery features include:
- Integrated network elements
- local data traffic break-out
- policy and management control
- content filtering
- web and video cache
- video pacing
- congestion detection
- differentiated billing options
The benefits of TNS Mobile Data Optimization allows faster page loading, improved download speeds, and lag-less video streaming to name a few.
“In addition to network capacity, operators will need to consider areas like roaming billing and settlement models and adjust their practices accordingly.” Says Versen. “The billing models will need to accommodate the different players in IoT and track and measure the extensive amount of data that IoT generates.”
TNS, a supplier of networking and integrated data services in the retail, banking, payment processing, and financial industries as well as a provider of telecommunications network solutions to service providers has been driving forward since 1990 and has grown to provide services for over 500 operator customers in over 60 countries around the globe.
5G technology is currently recognized to have the capacity to support the framework for the transmission of huge amounts of data required not only to assist the mobile and tablet market but to also have the capability for the large-scale development of the Internet of Things.
Even though 5G still requires a great deal of investment from telecom operators, a 2020 rollout target date has been set by European network operators.
Arti Loftus is an experienced Information Technology specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the research, writing, and editing industry with many published articles under her belt.Edited by
Ken Briodagh
