Operators in the United Arab Emirates could save 25 – 27 per cent on infrastructure costs over the next five years by investing in Wi-Fi.
Mobile subscriptions are now outnumbering citizens in the UAE and the growth in demand is threatening to quickly outstrip supply.
With mobile data accounting for nearly half of all subscriptions, local carriers may struggle to implement 3G and 4G LTE networks to quench the countries thirst for connectivity.
Yet, a new report from cisco.com has found that Wi-Fi data offload could prove to be the silver bullet for the area by decreasing infrastructure costs, increasing supply and improving speeds.
Bader Al Mubarak, senior manager of Cisco Consulting Services Saudi Arabia, said: “Our study clearly proves that mobile data offload will enable mobile operators to maximise the benefits of Wi-Fi through cost savings, revenue generation and improved services for their customers.”
The report found that initial infrastructure roll out for Wi-Fi offload would cost in the region of $51.6 million (£36.3 million); however, it warned that the cost of not doing so could ultimately be much higher.
Gulfnews.com reported that if Wi-Fi offload were not to be utilised, the carriers would need to invest $1.23 billion in 3G and LTE over the next five years in order to meet demand.
