Data consumption is on the rise at an incredible pace. According to a Cisco study (Cisco Mobile VNI, 2016-2021), Smartphone data consumption in Canada has increased by 35% between 2015 and 2016. Our own client data confirms the Cisco findings. Between 2017 and 2018, we have seen a 30% increase in data consumption in our client base. This trend is projected to continue well into 2021 with an overall increase of 300%. Consider this, a user currently consuming 2 GB per month could easily hit 5 GB in 36 months.
You may be wondering what is driving this increase in data consumption? Video content unquestionably is increasing its importance in our digital lives. Social media, web-based industry journals, online news, weather sites, even restaurant apps have clips and streams available. The Cisco study asserts video content comprises 60% of all Smartphone data. It goes on to speculate a substantial increase over the next 5 years. Given this trend, expect higher corporate consumption levels in the years to come.
So what does this mean?
Well, if you currently have a mobile contract in place, you may be experiencing data over-usage charges depending what had been negotiated. You will need to closely monitor your data use to prevent any billing surprises.
If you are about to negotiate your rates with your wireless carrier you should consider this trend. Choose your data wisely to cover next week, next month, next year.