Smart Phones Causes Havoc on Mobile Networks

In the last few years there has been a massiveglobe have resulted in major crisis on many networks
growth in data traffic in mobile networks around thewhere the impact of smart phone was not planned. In
world. This is due to phones such as iPhone, G1, N97some cases the introduction of smart phones has
and BlackBerry. The growth in traffic is not completelycaused havoc on some networks and resulted in poor
unexpected but the way the mobiles are loading thecustomers experience for all customers.
network has surprised and overwhelmed manyThe next generation of mobile phones such as the
network operators. One of the reasons is that peopleiPhone 4 will come with yet more demanding
are using always on applications such as Instantapplications and resource hungry capabilities. Network
Messaging (IM) and email more regularly using theiroperators have learned from previous launches and
mobile phones. The other reason is that some of theare now preparing and planning in advance of the new
smart phones optimise their battery life by making thephone launch. Apple now offers operators the
mobile go to idle mode more quickly. This is known asopportunity to disable features such as fast dormancy.
fast dormancy and when enabled on a mobile causesNetwork operators are now preparing, planning and
more signalling exchange between the network andupgrading their networks to ensure customer
the mobile. The combination of always on applicationsexperience is not affected by the huge appetite in
and fast dormancy results in more resourcesmart phones. One thing is clear both network
requirement than normal and leads to overload ofoperators and smart phone manufacturers want the
some base station and radio network controllers.best experience for their customers.
The increased sales of smart phones across the