FCC Mobile Data Demand Projections from 2010 for 2014 Remarkably Accurate

Despite nearly perfect projections, only 135 MHz licensed spectrum made available so far to meet FCC’s target of 300 MHz by 2015

**** **** WASHINGTON – CTIA-The Wireless Association’s® white paper, “Mobile Data Demand: Growth Forecasts Met,” [PDF] released today found the FCC’s analysis of mobile data growth projections from 2010 to 2014 was remarkably accurate (562 petabytes (PB) per month projected in 2010 versus actual 563 PB per month).

When the FCC’s National Broadband Plan was released in 2010, it called for 500 MHz of spectrum to be reallocated to broadband by 2020, with 300 MHz for mobile broadband by 2015. To substantiate the call for 300 MHz of spectrum, the FCC projected future mobile data growth of 35-fold by 2015. Thanks to consumers embracing mobile solutions, Americans met those extraordinary projections of skyrocketing growth.

Despite the FCC’s nearly perfect projections, the government has made 135 MHz spectrum available for mobile broadband since 2010, which is less than half of what the FCC suggested would be required by 2015. Moving forward, projections for 2019 from Ericsson and Cisco indicate there will be nearly six-times current traffic levels due to even more users, more mobile connections and more data-intensive services and applications. Yet there are no plans to make sufficient spectrum available to support this traffic, even with the AWS-3 auction and the upcoming incentive auction.

“The FCC’s thorough projections of our mobile usage from 2010 to 2014 were extraordinarily close to reality. America lacks a long-term and comprehensive licensed spectrum plan for 2020 and beyond to meet the predicted mobile traffic demands. In order to meet the next wave of exponential growth, it is crucial that the government, industry and other stakeholders work together to find more licensed spectrum opportunities,” said CTIA President and CEO Meredith Attwell Baker.

To read the white paper, please visit: http://ctia.it/1ClT9BX

CTIA-The Wireless Association® ( www.ctia.org ) represents the U.S. wireless communications industry. With members from wireless carriers and their suppliers to providers and manufacturers of wireless data services and products, the association brings together a dynamic group of companies that enable consumers to lead a 21st century connected life. CTIA members benefit from its vigorous advocacy at all levels of government for policies that foster the continued innovation, investment and economic impact of America’s competitive and world-leading mobile ecosystem. The association also coordinates the industry’s voluntary best practices and initiatives and convenes the industry’s leading wireless tradeshow. CTIA was founded in 1984 and is based in Washington, D.C.

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