Synopsis
The enormous potential for Europe’s mobile data market is driven by the region’s population, the rapid development of mobile technologies, and the growing number of content available through mobile portals and new applications stores. Gaming, video and music portals have become available from many operators, and during 2010 flat-rate plans will continue to encourage a greater number of 3G subscribers to use high-end data services. Yet while mobile data use is still affected by high costs, many subscribers still view some services such as mobile TV as lacking interest or value.
Investments in HSPA and LTE will deliver mobile data services to a wider customer base, and for the first time present mobile broadband as a viable alternative to fixed-line offers. Upgrades have also been supplemented with femtocell technology to cope with bandwidth demand. This report reviews the mobile data market in Europe in 2010, including applications such as mobile TV, SMS, MMS, and location based services, and assesses the potential for further growth and development to the end of the decade.