There are a few reports out about 3G and its benefits and the challenges facing it. First up, TelecomView is predicting that “declining voice ARPUs will start eroding mobile revenues…Without a strong shift to data services the mobile carriers will experience a significant revenue decline.” However, revenue from 3G data will more than make up for the shortfall, and the report predicts “3G will have more than 300 million subscribers and generate more than $200 billion in revenue in 2009″.
So far so good, but rival analyst firm Netonomy has warned that uptake of 3G will be slow because customers are confused by the variety of things on offer. “The concern is that if they do not make it simple and less frightening for consumers it may impact the growth of 3G.” Another interesting point from the release is that 48 percent of male respondents were confident they could use 3G while the figure for female respondents was only 35 percent. “It would be interesting to see whether this male confidence is justified – or whether it will get them lost in 3G.”
Meanwhile, 4G is approaching fast with wireless operator GoRemote signing a deal with Hong Kong telco CSL to integrate mobile data connectivity and Wi-Fi and dial-up access. “Under the agreement, GoRemote will be able to offer integrated cellular data and Wi-Fi service offerings to its mobile customers. Inclusion of the CSL wireless data roaming network will provide comprehensive UMTS/WCDMA and GPRS coverage to GoRemote customers. CSL provides network coverage in Hong Kong, as well as over 230 countries/territories via roaming agreements. This coverage comes in addition to the more than 48,000 wireless and wired access points in approximately 150 countries already included in the GoRemote Global Network”.
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