Is 5G signalling congestion threatening mobile operators?

High availability and low latency don’t win new subscribers but dropped calls and slow download and upload speeds definitely impact revenue. Mobile operators know that they must constantly manage network congestion. It’s nothing new.

However, some people are worried about exponentially increasing 5G data volumes and the ability of networks to handle it. Transactions from everything AI, gaming, streaming, and device proliferation are all adding up. So, should operators take note?

Is network congestion a real threat?

The GSMA has implored operators to invest heavily in their networks to manage huge data demands. They predict global mobile data traffic will hit 5,400 exabytes by 2030.

Their concerns appear to be founded. CTIA reports traffic in the US jumped by 89% between 2021 and 2023, breaking the 100 trillion MB mark. Simultaneously, investment in 5G rollouts is slowing while operators offer greater amounts of data at a lower cost for consumers.

Yet, we’ve heard this network congestion fearmongering before. In 2019, Ian Fogg, VP of Analysis at OpenSignal stated “The mobile industry needs 5G, or congestion and a declining mobile experience will make it hard for operators to maintain existing revenue levels, let alone increase them.”

Now, in 2024, a similar view is being taken. Julia King from Fierce Network suggests “AI is increasing 5G traffic. Signs point toward 6G as the answer.“

Is 6G the best answer for network congestion?

Due to how networks vary from region to region, and the rate of device adoption in different countries, the threat of network congestion isn’t uniform. So, 6G is far from a cure-all.

6G will likely help ease network congestion in some areas, but it’s a future solution. Till then, operators can use core network optimisation to reduce OPEX, boost revenue, prevent congestion and improve network efficiency.

Operators can also use throttling to manage congestion, but it risks impairing customer experience. Increasing the cost of data could be another way of managing congestion, but this is an unlikely path in highly competitive markets where operators are pushing unlimited data plans to gain market share.

Conclusion

In the same way that 5G was heralded as the 4G congestion solution, 6G will inevitably be seen as 5G’s saviour. It will continue like this in perpetuity with each new generation.

Core network optimisation will likely remain the best means of managing congestion across various network generations and regions. So long as operators continue to monitor their networks and adapt to changing trends, congestion is unlikely to be a threat.

Douglas Bryce, Marketing Communications Specialist at Squire Technologies

For more information about core network optimisation, visit www.squire-technologies.com/products

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