Mobile Broadband Continues as Top Priority for Mobile Network Operators

Rising mobile penetration and proliferation of mobile broadband continues to boost wireless service revenue. ABI Research estimates global wireless service revenue at more than $159 billion for 3Q 2010, of which data services account for nearly one third. Mobile Internet revenue is estimated at about $100 billion for 2010, a 20% increase from the previous year and almost three times more than revenue earned five years ago.

“The rapid uptake of mobile broadband has increasingly revolutionized network operators’ strategies,” says research associate Fei Feng Seet. “Consumers are now spending more time on social networking, blogging and online gaming among other activities, and they need to stay connected everywhere. This has contributed to the success of new brands such as Clearwire, Yota and UQ, and further pushed network operators around the world to build next-generation data networks rapidly, to gain market share.” Operators in many world regions have announced their interest in, or commitment to, deploying LTE networks.

According to practice director Neil Strother, “A handful of markets including Hong Kong, India, Canada, Austria, France and the UK are starting to face declines in voice usage. The resulting loss of revenue is compounded by a growing subscriber base that uses the Internet for social communication. New applications such as Skype video calling and Whatsapp messaging are expected to capture additional market share.”

ABI Research expects the rising mobile data usage and revenue trend to continue through 2011, coupled with more focus on mobile applications.

ABI Research has just released a quarterly review of global and regional wireless usage metrics, which can be found in “Mobile Subscriber Usage and Traffic Market Data” and “Mobile Carrier and Revenue Market Data.” These Market Data products forecast global, regional and country-level analysis into end-user level benchmarks quantifying the purchasing and usage habits of mobile cellular customers. They track average revenue per user (ARPU), usage, and traffic for carriers in more than 27 markets on a quarterly basis.

They are part of “The Mobile Consumer Research Service” which also includes Research Reports, Research Briefs, other Market Data products, ABI Insights, and analyst inquiry support.

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 29 research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.