Google Android phones threaten to wreck wireless networks

Wireless networks are under the risk of overloading because of increasing use of Google Android smartphones such as Samsung's Galaxy S which use more data services than other smartphones. The popularity of Android running devices comes as handsets increasingly overtake computers as the most used devices for surfing the Internet and knowing this wireless operators strive to please their consumers while not hasting to inform that their networks are not capable to support such workloads.

The study by telecom network technology firm Arieso showed that customers with Android phones are creating more data traffic mostly due to better cameras and video recorders, and software for editing the footage.

"When more could be done, more tends to be done," said Arieso's Chief Technology Officer Michael Flanagan.

"Smartphone subscriptions are rising and so too is subscriber appetite for mobile data. It's a trend that's set to continue."

Mobile data usage has rocketed since the introduction of Apple Inc's iPhone in 2007, with usage of data networks seen roughly doubling each year.

"What operators are really suffering from is the fact that popularity of smartphones came too quickly," said Lance Hiley, VP of market strategy at telecoms network technology provider Cambridge Broadband Networks.