LTE subscribers are consuming significantly more data than their 3G counterparts, according to a new study from Mobidia and Informa that analyzes the usage patterns of 100,000 Android LTE users in Korea, Japan, and the U.S. Data for the study was captured in September 2012 from the major operators in each country.
Some key findings:
- In all markets, LTE subscribers used significantly more mobile data than 3G subscribers. Specifically, in Korea and Japan, markets often used as leading indicators of mobile trends, Mobidia recorded increases of 132 percent and 67 percent,respectively.
- At the same time, decreases in relative Wi-Fi usage in all markets were also noted and Korea registered an absolute decrease. While Wi-Fi usage is still very significant, the data points to a possible trend towards a decrease in reliance, suggesting an opportunity for LTE operators.
- LTE operators’ strategy to reset pricing plans during the transition to 4G appears to be working. Mobidia’s data shows significant decreases in unlimited plans and increases in larger-sized, volume-limited plans. As an example, only seven percent of SKT LTE subscribers are using unlimited plans compared to 24 percent of SKT 3G subscribers. Additionally, the percentage of SKT subscribers on 2G or higher plans increased from only 10 percent of 3G subscribers to 62 percent of LTE subscribers.
Mobidia has posted a whiteper, “Understanding Today’s Smartphone Users,” on its website.
“Because Mobidia is able to provide data on cellular, Wi-Fi, and application usage across all major geographies and specific operators’ networks, we are in a unique position to provide insight into the latest smartphone usage trends – including the LTE trends identified in our latest whitepaper,” said Derek Sprat, president and CEO at Mobidia. “Based on our analysis of early LTE usage, it looks like operators have a strong opportunity to increase demand for mobile data while implementing stronger and more sustainable ways to monetize that data during the transition to 4G.”