Multi-device Shared Plans Available to 5% of the Worldwide Mobile Subscriber Market

ABI Research’s latest mobile Internet pricing tracker reinforces the notion that there are essentially five mobile Internet pricing models in operation: theTiered Usage Pricing Plan; the All You Can Eat Data Plan; the Unlimited Plan with Speed Restriction; the Data Surfing Time Plan; and the Multi-device Shared Plan. Although much talked about, Multi-device Shared Plans are relatively novel with approximately only 5% of mobile subscribers having the option to subscribe to Multi-device Shared Plans. Of the addressable market, 15% can choose from All You Can Eat Data plans, but 66% only have recourse to the traditional Tiered Usage Pricing model.

“Mobile operators should be prepared to adopt novel pricing models in order to boost subscriber adoption and therefore incremental revenue. Multi-device Shared Plans have helped operators like Verizon in the US to boost revenue per account,” stated Jake Saunders, VP for Forecasting. “Pricing plan diversification can help to optimize the fit of pricing plan versus disposable income groups,” added research associate Marina Lu.

Operators such as T-Mobile Germany, Telecom Italia, and Reliance of India have put in place a mix of different pricing plan models to serve the different needs of customers. ABI Research is expecting more operators to introduce the Multi-device Plan as a way to stimulate the 4G LTE market. In Europe, the Vodafone Group is aiming to bring in the plan by the end of 2013.

For more information, please visit ABI Research’s “Mobile Data Price Tracker”. This study is part of the Mobile ARPU Research Service, which also includes other Market Data products, and Insights.

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 70+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.