Mobile convergence set to change business models

“As the industry grows we’re seeing new business models emerge as the mobile, Internet and telecoms world collide,” says Mark Newman, chief research officer at Informa Telecoms & Media. “The one certainty is that the mobile phone is going to play an ever important role in our work and social lives.” The guide gives a snapshot of the global mobile data and content services market, with data and analysis that highlights the changing face of the mobile communications industry. It includes research on mobile data services in some 25 countries and features entries from senior industry leaders representing global brands including O2, Cisco, EDS, Google, Microsoft, MTV, Mobile Data Association, Nokia, Telefonica and Vodafone. The report highlights the impact of mobility converging into every aspect of consumers’ working and personal lives, tying in with other digital media such as the Internet, TV and fixed line Telephony. It claims that the current global mobile phone market is 2.2 billion consumers, and is split into two where the developed world sees mobile penetration of almost 100% and average revenues per user at $65 per month. On the other hand developing markets, such as India and China, are fast growing with much lower penetration and revenues. Key figures: mobile handset sales are expected to reach 1.255 billion units by 2011, and the mobile entertainment market is expected to be worth $23.1 billion this year. Beyond those, mobile commerce and micro-payments for digital goods are developing into a multi billion market, while integration of wireless technology in cars, vending machines, security equipment, utility meters, etc is further expanding the use of mobile technology beyond communication.