Global smartphone data traffic is expected to grow ten times between 2013 to 2019, reaching 10 exabytes, mainly driven by video, a new Ericsson report revealed.
The report also noted that global mobile subscriptions would reach 9.3 billion by 2019, while about 60% (about 5.6 billion) of the subscriptions would be for smartphones.
During the forecast period, coverage offered by WCDMA/HSPA networks are predicted to reach 90% of global population, supporting the smartphone user experience, while 65% of the population would be covered by 4G/LTE networks.
Ericsson senior vice president and head of strategy Douglas Gilstrap said that the rapid pace of smartphone uptake has been phenomenal and is set to continue.
"It took more than five years to reach the first billion smartphone subscriptions, but it will take less than two to hit the 2 billion mark," Gilstrap said.
"Between now and 2019, smartphone subscriptions will triple.
"Interestingly, this trend will be driven by uptake in China and other emerging markets as lower-priced smartphone models become available."
The report also added that smartphones currently represent 25-30% of overall mobile phone subscriptions, so far they account for the 55% of mobile phones sales during Q3.
Ericsson reported that the video is rising 55% per year and is expected to represent over half of the mobile data traffic, with the social networking and web services accounting for about 10% each in 2019.
