• by Aaron Baar , March 7, 2015

Consumers are reporting more problems with wireless networks as more data use puts even greater strain on the networks.

According to J.D. Power and Associates’ latest Wireless Network Quality Performance Study, data-related issues are steadily increasing, with consumers reporting an average of 17 problems (including dropped calls, late voice mails, text failures, web connection and email connection errors) per 100 network connections. The reported number of problems in the previous year’s report was 14 for every 100 connections.

The higher problem incidence can be traced to increased pressure on the networks. Texting volume has increased over the past year, with 47 texts sent or received over a 48-hour period (on average) compared with 42 texts in the previous year’s study. Web interactions have also increased (over the same 48 hour period) from 14 in last year’s study to 16 this year.

The connection issues are a factor when it comes to consumers considering switching carriers, particularly among consumers with cellular-enabled tablets, who are more likely to switch carriers can offer more reliable connections at a comparable price. Nearly a quarter of cellular tablet customers say they “definitely will” or “probably will” switch carriers within the next year, compared with 15% of customers who don’t own a cellular tablet.

“Smartphone users send a high volume of calls, text messages and emails, which strains carrier networks. As tablet ownership continues to rise, increased frequency of mobile video downloads further exacerbates network strain,” Kirk Parsons, senior director and practice leader of telecommunications at J.D. Power, said in a statement. “Given the increase in network connection problems, carriers providing faster and more reliable connections may have a competitive advantage, particularly for cellular tablet owners, who have a high propensity to switch carriers in pursuit of quality connections.”