AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwired - January 13, 2016) - Public Wi-Fi usage is widespread in the U.S.: it is used regularly by mobile consumers in millions of locations, including coffee shops, libraries, shopping malls, and airports. Mobile consumers often choose to use Wi-Fi as an alternative to their cellular network in order to stay under their monthly data usage cap or because the Wi-Fi network provides superior service. Data traffic that occurs on a Wi-Fi network, as opposed to a 3G/4G LTE cellular network, is referred to as Wi-Fi Offload.
iGR, a market research consultancy focused on the wireless and mobile industry, defines three types of Wi-Fi Offload: Wi-Fi Only, which is generated on a network outside of the home or office on a Wi-Fi-only device; User Driven Wi-Fi Offload, which occurs when a subscriber chooses a Wi-Fi connection rather than a 3G/4G LTE mobile broadband connection; and Carrier Driven Wi-Fi Offload, which occurs when a mobile operator diverts a subscriber's traffic from a 3G/4G LTE mobile broadband network to a carrier-managed Wi-Fi network. iGR's latest market study forecasts these types of Wi-Fi Offload traffic in the U.S. over the next five years.
"Wi-Fi offload is a critical component of the heterogeneous network (Het-Net) and iGR believes that Wi-Fi data usage will grow strongly over the forecast period," said Iain Gillott, president and founder of iGR. "Also as mobile networks move towards 5G standards, networks and architectures, Wi-Fi hotspots are more likely to be deployed as networks are densified with small cells."
iGR's new market study, U.S. Wi-Fi Offload Traffic Forecast, 2014 - 2019: Uh-oh 5G!, provides an overview of Wi-Fi, its key standards, how it will be affected by upcoming 5G standards, and the recent developments related to it. It also provides a five-year forecast for the number of connections and the amount of data for the three types of Wi-Fi Offload defined by iGR: Wi-Fi Only, Wi-Fi Offload (user driven) and Wi-Fi Offload (carrier driven). Additionally, the study forecasts each type of Wi-Fi as a percentage of total mobile data traffic.
The following key questions are addressed in the new research study:
- What is Wi-Fi?
- Where is the Wi-Fi standard headed?
- How is Wi-Fi used?
- What is Wi-Fi offload?
- What is the difference between user-driven Wi-Fi offload and carrier-driven Wi-Fi offload?
- What are some of the key standards efforts associated with Wi-Fi offload?
- What are the potential benefits associated with Wi-Fi offload?
- What are the potential issues associated with Wi-Fi offload?
- What is Wi-Fi only? How is it commonly used?
- How much Wi-Fi offload traffic is expected through 2019 in North America?
- What percentage of total "mobile" data traffic is Wi-Fi traffic in North America
The information in this market study will be valuable for:
- Mobile operators, including those with Wi-Fi networks
- Device OEMs
- Content providers and distributors
- Cable MSOs and those offering Wi-Fi services
- Financial analysts and investors.
The new report can be purchased and downloaded directly from iGR's website at www.iGR-inc.com.
About iGR
iGR is a market strategy consultancy focused on the wireless and mobile communications industry. Founded by Iain Gillott, one of the wireless industry's leading analysts, in late 2000 as iGillottResearch, iGR is now in its sixteenth year of operation. iGR continuously researches emerging and existent technologies, technology industries, and consumer markets. We use our detailed research to offer a range of services to help companies improve their position in the marketplace, clearly define their future direction, and ultimately improve their bottom line.
iGR researches a range of wireless and mobile products and technologies, including: smartphones; tablets; mobile wearable devices; connected cars; mobile applications; bandwidth demand and use; small cell and het-net architectures; mobile EPC and RAN virtualization; DAS; LTE; VoLTE; IMS; NFC; GSM/GPRS/UMTS/HSPA; CDMA 1x/EV-DO; iDEN; SIP; macro-, pico- and femtocells; mobile backhaul; WiFi and WiFi offload; and SIM and UICC.
A more complete profile of the company can be found at www.igr-inc.com.
Contact Information:
Contact iGR
Iain Gillott