Mobile Data Tops Priority List for Wireless 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 percent increase from the previous year and almost three times more than revenue earned five years ago.
According to ABI 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.