Surprising BlackBerry usage stats

BlackBerry data usage has increased by 1,000 percent (tenfold) over the last two years, mainly driven by the abuse of a small group of users who download movies and TV services using the BlackBerry Internet Service. This is according to Vodacom spokesperson Richard Boorman.

Vodacom currently has around 2 million BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) users which are supported by a 1.5Gbps connection to Research in Motion (the network used for BlackBerry services).

A simple calculation shows that the maximum theoretical download amount per user is around 240MB per month. This is averaged across the total user base and assuming the maximum use of the BlackBerry pipe over a month.

Over-engineering is needed to compensate for usage spikes during busy periods, and one can therefore assume that the average usage is around 160MB if one assumes two thirds (66%) average utilization of the total BlackBerry connection.

160MB per user may not sound like much, but considering that the average usage per BlackBerry user was only around 20MB two years ago it becomes significant.

Average Vodacom BIS data usage

Considering that most of the growth is on the back of large file downloads (typically pirated content) which is against the BlackBerry terms and conditions, it is hardly surprising that Vodacom and MTN are looking at ways to limit this “abuse”.

It is understood that Vodacom and MTN are working on solutions which will limit the impact of abusers on the BlackBerry network, which will improve the overall BlackBerry experience without any limitations on standard BlackBerry users.

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