The number of US mobile data subscribers is expected to top 12.5 million by the end of this year and a new survey from Parks Associates has shown that there is now considerable enthusiasm for the services on offer.
The mobile data industry is currently benefitting from a compound annual growth rate of about 14% but this is predicted to decline as more competitors enter the market. The report suggests that service providers will need to promote value-added services to boost subscriber revenues and offer unique selling points.
“As demand for basic mobile connectivity becomes increasingly commoditized, service is differentiated less by price-per-minute and more by the type of value-added services offered to subscribers,” said Michael Greeson, senior analyst and director of broadband research for Parks Associates. “Many mobile service providers have begun offering e-mail, web access, instant messaging, and a host of other mobile services to their subscriber base. However, determining which particular services will appeal to the greatest number of consumers and at what price remains a challenge.”