Mobile messaging (SMS, MMS, mobile email and instant messaging) use will keep growing, but the revenues will not follow due to such factors as IP revolution, increased competition, and commoditization of established services.
According to Juniper Research’s new mobile messaging report, the move from per-transaction to per-month billing models will see total P2P revenues in Western and Eastern Europe decline. The balance will be made with the help of revenues in developing markets, plus growth in ad-funded tariffs. Meanwhile, web-based services will continue to integrate new messaging mediums, which could easily impact operators’ revenues.
Ian Chard, author of the report, suggests that SMS will remain core revenue generator for operators in the current economic environment, “given that messaging is an economical method of P2P communication.”
Other report findings include:
- Smartphone users in particular will continue to drive high usage levels
- 3% drop in total revenues
- Western Europe will maintain position as the largest market over forecast period
- Growth in revenues greatest in the Africa and Middle East, Indian Sub-Continent and South America regions
- Industry looking to enrich market by converging services such as presence, while pushing subscribers to additional value added services and content
More information about Juniper’s report titled “Mobile Messaging & IP Evolution: Players, Strategies & Forecasts 2009-2014” is available from the company’s website.