A recent report from Nokia Solutions and Networks, on mobile broadband performance in India, reveals a 87% rise in data traffic generated by 2G and 3G services during 2013. According to the NSN’s MBit Index, 3G data traffic increased by 146% where as 2G data traffic grew by 59% over the same period.

Study further shows that 3G users continue to consume more data on average than 2G users. In December 2013, a 3G user consumed 532 megabyte of data compared to 146 megabyte consumption over 2G. In some of the major urban centers the average data consumption per user is as high as one gigabyte per month, indicating the rising popularity and uptake of 3G across India. In addition, premium tariff reductions in 3G services in early 2013 led to an increased migration of high end 2G customers to 3G.

Report notes that 3G coverage in India is still limited and requires focused investments to achieve the data performance users demand. In category A circle, the analysis of the leading 50 cities where 3G has been launched shows that additional 10% to 15% 3G sites are needed to match the existing 2G coverage. In category B there is a gap of 15% to 20% sites. On average, 20% to 25% additional sites are needed to cover the cities that are not yet covered in category A and B.