4G networks soon will be ubiquitous

The 4G wireless network is something of a luxury at the moment. Many users are still working with 3G connectivity, as the next generation of mobile service has net to reach mainstream status.

That will change in the near future, however, as a new report from Yankee Group predicts the number of 4G mobile lines will skyrocket during the next four years. The spread of 4G connectivity will be driven by the continued expansion of both the smartphone and tablet markets, researchers said.

"Stunning mobile data growth driven by broad adoption of smartphones, tablets and USB modems is pushing today's 3G networks into the performance red zone," Declan Lonergan, Yankee Group's research vice president, said.

By 2015, researchers predicted, the number of 4G mobile lines will reach 675 million, a drastic increase from the 31 million that were in service last year. During this same time, the market for smartphones will achieve a compound annual growth rate of 33 percent, while the tablet market will grow at a CAGR of 81 percent.

"The acceleration of 4G deployments is paramount to meeting consumers' insatiable appetites for content and applications on the go," Lonergan added.

The growth of 4G deployments could have an effect on enterprise mobility on a number of fronts.

For one, companies will have to keep wireless expense management practices in mind until 4G becomes ubiquitous. Until then, service providers may charge more for connectivity that is faster than what most users can access.

Until prices for 4G contracts plateau, IT departments will have to take a close look at their program with a mobile device management solution to determine if 4G is necessary for employees to remain productive.

Also, companies will want to prioritize mobile application management should more employees have access to a 4G network. Just because connection speeds are faster and apps can be downloaded quicker doesn't mean employees should have the freedom to purchase more software.

For that reason, may organizations have chosen to maintain control over which apps employees can access. That ensures that costs are kept low and the apps in use are effective.

A recent report from ABI Research also highlighted the rapid growth being experienced by 4G wireless networks. According to the firm, the number of LTE-enabled devices will surpass those with WiMAX connectivity for the first time later this year. Shipments of all 4G smartphones will reach 245 million in 2016, the report stated.