China’s 4G coverage has expanded rapidly over the past two years and is expected to jump from 8 per cent in 2014 to reach over half the Chinese population by 2016.

Growing access to faster networks is driving the need for better data management tools for consumers, according to a report from Strategy Analytics. Aside from the desire to gain access to faster networks, the research firm found that ‘gifted’ data allowances, reduced service fees and convenience to upgrade were the top reasons for people to adopt a 4G plan.

In addition to recommendations from friends, short-term trials could help persuade consumers to adopt 4G services.

Although fees and bundled packages remain the main cause of dissatisfaction for consumers using or considering 4G networks, a survey found that consumers were more satisfied with 4G coverage and network stability.

The launch of unused data carry-over by all three major operators in late September will definitely benefit consumers, Strategy Analytics said. However, consumers are likely to be dissatisfied about being unable to find flexible plans that cater to their individual needs for voice calls, text messages and data. For example, consumers may need more voice call allowance while unused data is left over every month.

It would be useful for them to be able to convert unused minutes or data into what they really need from their monthly plan, said Alvin Wu, a senior analyst at Strategy Analytics and author of the report.

In addition, he said consumer adoption of 4G is likely to drive music and video streaming consumption.

“Providing and promoting unlimited data packages for specified music or video services will bring a win-win situation to both mobile operators and music/video service providers,” he said.

As users consume more data, the firm said, they have become more conscious about data usage management and require tools to allow them to accurately track and manage their data limits.

China’s three mobile operators had nearly 400 million 4G users at the end of September, according to GSMA Intelligence. China Mobile, with 238 million 4G connections, plans to have at least one million 4G base stations by the end of the year.