India smartphone usage seen at 520 million by 2020: Ericsson

Firm sees mobile subscriber base growing to 1.1 bn by that year, from 795 mn currently

Ericsson, a leader in communications technology and services, sees India's mobile subscriber base growing to 1,145 million by 2020 from about 795 million in 2013.

In a release today, the company said. during the same period, smartphone penetration in the country will also grow to 45 percent or 520 million devices from 10 per cent or 90 million devices in 2013.

Noting the increased usage of mobile phones in coming years, a stronger high-speed broadband connectivity is crucial as it will also fundamentally change the way people live, interact and do business with consumers expecting data connectivity at all times and also everywhere.

"Mobile broadband usage is on the rise with social media, web browsing and chat driving more than a third of the mobile broadband traffic currently," said Ericcson.

However, ubiquitous mobile broadband experience for users is currently a challenge, with only a third being able to access internet over a mobile broadband network every time they attempt.

"Consumers' value broadband and their expectations around experience are evolving fast. Smartphones and MBB (mobile broadband) services are becoming more affordable. As a result, we are seeing the advent of a new networked society in India as in other parts of the world that will benefit consumers and businesses alike," the release quoted Ajay Gupta, head of strategy & marketing, Ericsson India as saying.

Operators looking to effectively monetize broadband services and tap future growth opportunities need to significantly invest in scaling network performance in three areas - ensuring network ubiquity, consistent app coverage and new charging models based 'personalization' that address consumer's specific preferences.

Ericsson as a global and local leader in mobile broadband is addressing the needs of operators by ensuring that networks are evolving in sync with the growing needs of consumers.

"Consumers today expect ubiquitous and high performing networks everywhere they go," said Nishant Batra, head - engagement practices, Ericsson India.

"We are focusing on delivering smart networks that drive simplification, agility, robustness and efficiency as newer and newer cloud based services continue to be innovated." Batra added.