Synopsis
The 3G market in Europe has a far more positive outlook in 2009, given the migration of 2G users to 3G and the greater number of 3G net adds. However, the considerable growth in the number of subscribers has not yet translated into significantly higher revenue for operators. Much of this has been due to operator preference for charging for data used rather than the single payment all-inclusive model preferred by many customers, though unlimited data use for a fixed fee as well as more generous data caps has been introduced and will become common practice. Take-up of 3G has also followed the greater reliability of handsets and a better awareness of 3G capabilities among subscribers. This report reviews 3G networks and services in Europe in 2010, including an assessment of network sharing and spectrum trading. It also examines the migration of subscribers to 3G, as well as 3G content and pricing and their likely effect on market developments in coming years.