Mobile data traffic is expected to continue growing in double-digits, surging by 59% in 2015, according to Gartner.
The growth would be fueled by newer and faster networks, a rise in the number of users of these networks, and more affordable 3G and 4G handsets, said Gartner research director Jessica Ekholm.
“However, the key driver of data growth on a global scale is mobile apps, particularly mobile video apps,” said Ekholm. “Apps and content are driving traffic volumes as people increasingly chat with friends and family, watch videos on the move, and listen to streamed music.”
Gartner expects video streaming to account for over 60% of mobile data traffic in 2018, as consumers watch and upload more videos on the go.
To harness the growth of mobile data, Ekholm said telecoms providers would need to focus on creating new price plans with a focus on data access, such as shared plans.
App developers would also have to sharpen their focus on marketing their apps in order to retain customers, she added.