Growing demand for mobile broadband has been raised as a key issue as the Federal Government prepares its Green Paper on the “digital dividend” – the freeing-up of spectrum from the switchover from analogue to digital television.

AMTA Chief Executive Officer Chris Althaus said it was vital for the Australian mobile telecommunications to have access to suitable radio frequency spectrum to meet the growing demand for mobile data services including mobile broadband.

“The influence and contribution of the digital economy continues to grow as technologies, services and applications reach further into all sectors of our economy and society, providing significant - and growing - social and economic benefits for all Australians,” he said.

“However, given future demand projections, there is a critical need to address future growth trends from an infrastructure perspective. Radiofrequency spectrum is fundamental infrastructure for the provision of mobile telecommunication services. Without it, mobile service is not possible. Further, the type and amount of radiofrequency spectrum made available for mobile telecommunications will influence performance and service levels.”

Mr Althaus said it was instructive to see what was happening around the world in the provision of global mobile broadband subscriptions as a pointer the future growth trends and the need for more spectrum in Australia.

New reports this week show:

• Global mobile broadband subscriptions grew 93% in the 12 months to the end of March 2009 to reach 225 million subscriptions according to Informa Telecoms & Media

• Global HSPA based mobile broadband connections are predicted to pass 150 million later this year, according to the GSM Association with further suggestion that subscriptions could pass the 1 billion by 2013

• Mobile internet usage is becoming mainstream in Europe according to a report from Forrester Research. In a 20,000 consumer survey 13% access the internet via their mobile device and 50% know they can use their mobile device for this purpose.

• Nokia Siemens Networks have predicted that the volume of data traffic will exceed that of voice on mobile networks worldwide by 2011.

• On average, 19 per cent of survey respondents in the US access the internet via their mobile device. Although a minority, it represents a 73% increase since December 2007, according to Pew Internet and American Life Project.

See following stories in Snapshot for more on these issues.