Asia-Pacific mobile data subscribers will number 411.2 million by the end of 2006; this is 64% of mobile subscribers and 11% of the population in the region, according to a study released in August by the Yankee Group.
The Asia-Pacific Mobile Data Experience: Forecast and Overview report contains updated forecast and analysis of mobile data services and trends in the Asia-Pacific region, including subscriber, average revenue per user (ARPU) and revenue forecasts. Mobile data services are also referred to as 3G mobile phones.
Data service revenues will amount to $308.1 billion (£213.3 billion), nearly 30% of total service revenues. SMS (text messaging) will continue to be the killer application across the region.
Yankee Group says that Asian cellular operators other than NTT DoCoMo continue their ‘enigmatic experience’ with mobile data. NTT DoCoMo yesterday emerged as the likely winner of the race to launch wireless, data-based 3G mobile technology (see Forecasts).
Mobile data has so far been a marginal story in the Asia Pacific, says the report. “Operators have recognised the potential of mobile data, not just for new revenue streams, but also for the positive qualitative impact on consumers. The usual suspects have conspired again, with handset delays, limited choice of terminals, premium pricing and software problems, coupled with uncertainty among operators over content strategies and packaging.”
