India Sees 54 Per Cent Increase in Data Traffic

Mobile data traffic in India increased by 54 per cent between December 2011 and June 2012. That's according to Nokia Siemens Networks, based on data culled from its 2G and 3G networks in the country, which representing around 30 per cent of the market. 

And it predicts that India’s mobile data consumption will double by June 2013. Over the six month period, data traffic generated by 3G services has increased by 78 per cent, with 2G services increasing by 47 per cent during the same period.

2G users consume 75 per cent of the total mobile data traffic, but 3G users consume four times more data than 2G users. 

"2G has been relatively successful in driving mobile broadband use in India, but we are now witnessing 3G pushing the mobile broadband use to unprecedented levels," says Sandeep Girotra, head of Nokia Siemens Networks India region. "While it’s important that 2G networks need to be constantly strengthened across the country, 3G network coverage, especially in residential areas, needs to be enhanced. In addition, further improving the quality of data services and fulfilling expectations of various user segments are vital to acquiring, satisfying and retaining mobile broadband customers."

Web browsing contributes 81 per cent of 2G data traffic while downloading videos constitutes 17 per cent.