Mobile Operators To Spend Nearly $850M On Fixed-Mobile Convergence And 4G Equipment In 2013

The growing use of mobile broadband services by handsets, laptops, MIDs, and mobile CE devices will place ever-increasing demands on 3G networks. In the end, 4G networks will be required because people use devices wherever they are. Meanwhile, one way to reduce the stress on network capacity is through the use of fixed-mobile convergence (FMC), which routes traffic through customers' wired broadband connections when they are at home. New data from ABI Research suggests that capital expenditure by mobile operators on 4G base station gateways and FMC-related carrier equipment will approach $850M in 2013.

"FMC is not just about relieving networks' voice traffic congestion, but data too," says principal analyst Philip Solis. "3G handsets with Wi-Fi, laptops that often feature cellular connections, the new class of Mobile Internet Devices, and other mobile broadband-enabled consumer electronic products – all add to network load. Operators' need for FMC and 4G equipment to meet that extra demand creates real opportunities for vendors."

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