Synopsis
The overall popularity of mobile messaging services has remained strong on the back of the introduction of capped data changes, smart phones and bundled services. However carrier provided SMS and MMS services revenue is expected to gradually decline over the next few years as consumers turn towards other forms of messaging; particularly free messaging services offered by social networks and instant messaging mobile apps. The rise of alternative mobile messaging services is becoming a serious threat to the traditional operators and considered to be a disruptive development. This report provides a global overview of the key trends occurring for SMS, email, Mobile Instant Messaging (MIM), and Unified Communication sectors, including broad statistics, where available.
Key developments
The messaging industry generates hundreds of billions in revenue each year. While SMS still accounts for the majority, we are seeing an increase in the popularity of MIM, driven by the increased usage of mobile broadband services around the world; Unified Communication solutions are still primarily focused on the enterprise segment but smartphones have provided a form of basic UC to consumers; In early 2013 mobile photo messaging began to receive attention following Facebook’s launch of a mobile app called Poke which is along the lines of an already established mobile app called Snapchat.
