Demand for mobile broadband services via the Apple iPad could put significant pressure on existing networks, it has been suggested.

According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), there is danger of network congestion as more consumers turn to the tablet device to access the internet.

In an official FCC posting on broadband.gov, FCC Director of Scenario Planning Phil Bellaria and Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Deputy Chief John Liebovitz claimed that service levels could be affected by a potential surge in mobile broadband popularity.

"With the iPad pointing to even greater demand for mobile broadband on the horizon, we must ensure that network congestion doesn’t choke off a service that consumers clearly find so appealing," they stated.

The FCC representatives said it was vital that mobile broadband's "ability to keep us competitive in the global broadband economy" is not constrained.

Last week, X2 Computing introduced the Windows-based iTablet - a product it hopes will compete with the iPad for mobile broadband business.