Editor’s Note: With 2014 now upon us, RCR Wireless News has gathered predictions from leading industry analysts and executives on what they expect to see in the new year.
In 2013, we saw unprecedented growth of wireless data with no signs of slowing down. In order to respond to this unabated growth, we expect operators will utilize a wide range of approaches, architectures and business models over the course of 2014 to keep pace. While traffic growth and changing network architectures will continue, do not expect radical changes from a service perspective as some of the tried and true applications will continue to rule the roost.
Small cells will mature and flourish
Having largely addressed “coverage” in 2014, operators will include small cell technologies to address the “capacity” conundrum. While growth of small cells itself may not come as a surprise given the momentum we saw in 2013, we believe 2014 will bring maturity and sophistication to both the usage and deployment of small cells – a belief that is shared by ABI Research which recently predicted growth of 125% of outdoor small cell technologies in 2014. This growth will mark the end of the “trial-and-error phase” of this technology and usher in the operators seeking to keep pace with consumer demand and the rising “tsunami” of wireless data traffic.
It’s not one-size-fits-all: heterogeneous networks will reign
Despite the advancements and benefits of small cell technologies, they will not be deployed as a replacement of the existing wireless networks but rather as another tool in the service providers’ toolbox for continuing to make their networks as effective and efficient as possible. In 2014 we will see small cells aggressively deployed in dense, urban environments, and they will only augment the existing macro networks and distributed antenna system deployments currently in place. The operators will be looking for more cost-effective technologies to add capacity to their networks while continuing to leverage their previous investments and small cell technologies will be a solution they increasingly use to achieve these goals.
Voice will remain the killer app
Despite the younger generation that sends an average of 60 text messages per day and has a fascination with the latest ”apps,” the ability to deliver the most basic phone capability – that is to make and receive calls – will still be the number one application in 2014. In fact, unlike the wireless data growth, voice usage has remained relatively static, which we don’t see changing in 2014. The major carriers have built a significant LTE footprint and are preparing to offer voice over LTE which will only bring a higher quality of service combined with additional capabilities that consumers will likely embrace.
We think 2014 will be a great year for the wireless industry filled with changes, challenges and tremendous rewards. The New Year will continue to be an exciting time to be in this business, and that’s a prediction you can hold onto.
Kelley Carr is the SVP of DAS Solutions for Goodman Networks. Prior to the acquisition of CSI’s Custom Solutions Group, Carr was owner and President. He has more than 18 years of experience in the wireless industry. Previously, Carr held executive level positions with Nextel and Wavelink Communications. Carr is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts and holds a BA in Political Science.
