Synopsis
US mobile subscriber numbers increased to about 327 million by early 2012. Although penetration levels are reaching saturation, mobile data revenues are increasing by around 25% year-over-year, a rate expected to continue to 2015 at least. Increases in data ARPU are largely offsetting the ongoing decline in ARPU for voice services. Mobile broadband was underpinned by the deployment and upgrade of 3G networks since 2009, while launch of 4G LTE services since by a number of operators will provide a greater stimulus for growth in mobile broadband during 2012. This report provides analysis, key statistics and forecasts of the US mobile market.
Key developments:
AT&T ends bid to buy T-Mobile; Verizon’s LTE network reaches two-thirds population coverage, FCC proposes 800MHz spectrum licence changes; AT&T’s LTE network reaches 28 markets; Verizon secures AWS spectrum from cablcos; FCC plans to deal with 3G dead zones with Mobility Fund auction; operator data to September 2011; market developments into early 2012.
Companies covered in this report include:
AT&T Mobility; Verizon Wireless; Sprint Nextel; T-Mobile; Tracfone; MetroPCS Communications; Leap Wireless; Frontline; Alltel; US Cellular; Clearwire