What Singapore networks should know about mobile data usage

Mobile broadband traffic is growing at 83% worldwide with video streaming gaining even more traction among users.

The use of YouTube is contributing to this brisk growth, with YouTube viewing accounting for 24% of mobile broadband traffic, according to the new H2, 2011 Allot MobileTrends Report.

The report surveyed leading mobile operators worldwide with a combined user base of 250 million subscribers.

"Report shows that mobile data bandwidth usage continued its steady rise with 83% growth during the second half (H2) of 2011 based on data collected from Allot's worldwide mobile operator customers. Video streaming continued to show significant growth with a 114% increase, and remains the single largest application taking up bandwidth, accounting for 42% of mobile bandwidth," said Allot in a release accompanying the report.

"Although having limited impact on the total bandwidth, VoIP and IM have gained additional share and continue to be the fastest growing application type with a 114% increase. This data seems to be in line with the declining SMS and international voice calls revenue experienced by operators," it said.

"YouTube now accounts for 24% of global broadband traffic; 14% of total YouTube traffic is high-definition. VoIP & Instant Messaging traffic grew by 114%, perhaps substantiating recent reports on SMS and international voice calls decline," it added.

"Facebook messenger is an all-time 'killer app' on mobile; rising from zero to 22% of total IM traffic in just four months. WhatsApp now accounts for 18% of the IM total bandwidth, a dramatic increase in popularity from only 3% in H1, 2011. Android Market traffic grew by a phenomenal 232%, almost four times faster than the iOS App Store, increasing its momentum to become a true iPhone App Store rival," it said further.

"OTT traffic represents an exciting opportunity for mobile operators and content providers to collaborate, share revenues and give subscribers the cross-platform freedom they demand. Intelligent, application-based data pricing is making this a reality," said said Rami Hadar, President and CEO of Allot Communications, which conducted the survey.

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Tags: Singapore networks, Global mobile broadband, mobile broadband usage trends