USA - Telecoms, Mobile & Broadband Overview & Analysis 2006

Synopsis

The US telecommunications markets continue to converge towards a triple-play model of bundled voice, TV and broadband data services. The Regional Bell Operating Companies, traditionally landline voice operators, are now key providers of broadband through DSL and are poised to become the dominant broadband providers through their extensive fibre optic network deployments. Their high-bandwidth fibre networks will also make them key players in the IPTV market. The cable companies, traditionally TV providers, still retain their lead in the broadband market and more recently have been making significant strides into the voice market with low-cost VoIP services. In addition, whilst traditional landline voice revenues continue to fall, mobile voice and data revenues grow apace. Mobile is next in line to join the convergence club. Strategic joint ventures between mobile and cable providers, and expanding investments in WiMAX networks, are ushering in the dawn of quadruple play services.