A new report from Analysis Mason predicts that 47 per cent of European broadband subscriptions will use mobile networks by 2013 (i.e. a combined fixed/mobile package), with nearly a quarter of homes mobile-only.

The research asserts that DSL subscriber net additions are already drying up, and headline prices for mobile broadband are frequently lower than those for fixed line.

Analysis Mason says nearly half of fixed broadband users currently have a usage profile that is no higher than the average usage on mobile broadband, making the size of the addressable market for mobile broadband as a substitutive consumer proposition "enormous".

However, the company says mobile operators will have to work hard to make sure cellular network infrastructure is able to handle the extra load.

Matt Hatton, principal analyst at Analysys Mason, said: "In the shorter term, MNOs need to manage customer traffic volumes at a retail level, selling to the kind of customers who will not put excessive pressure on the networks. In this respect, MNOs can pull many levers, including volume-based caps, pay-as-you-go charging and fixed-mobile bundles."

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