WhatsApp lets mobile cos meet network demand

WhatsApp
WhatsApp

WhatsApp has prevented network overloads during Operation Protective Edge.

The cellular networks are doing a better job in handling the load in Operation Protective Edge than in Operation Pillar of Defense, due mostly to the fact that a large proportion of the public is using WhatsApp to send messages, instead of making direct calls. Various engineering sources in the cellular companies have confirmed this.

According to senior sources in the companies, the current operation is posing a challenge to the cellular networks mostly where rockets fall. Up until now, however, there have been no extreme loads preventing the networks from functioning. The sources added that the networks were functioning well even when reaching the limit of their capacity, and delays in making calls were reasonable for an event like a rocket attack.

One of the main reasons why the networks are managing to handle the loads is the fact that many customers are using WhatsApp to transmit messages. Instead of sending phone messages that no rockets have fallen and everything is all right to their entire family and all their friends, they do the same thing with one group message, thereby saving dozens of telephone calls between the parties in the area where rockets fell and those located at a distance.

The fact that quite a few security rooms are equipped with WiFi networks also contributes to reducing the load on the audio cellular networks. The companies have learned from their experience in Operation Pillar of Defense, and are increasing their network resources accordingly.

Lengthy delays in making calls were recorded in Operation Pillar of Defense, and the cellular networks in the central region areas where rockets fell were simply paralyzed and unable to function for prolonged periods because of loads at particular locations. It appears that the handling of such extreme situations is better.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 13, 2014

© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2014

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