The Mobile Content Services Market
With the introduction of 3G and mobile broadband technology, the range of mobile services available to consumers has expanded to include a wide variety of interactive, multimedia services, often referred to as content services. These services range from SMS and ringtone downloads to, amongst others, Multimedia Messaging Services (MMS), instant messaging, music, games, access to information services (e.g. news, sport, weather), social networking sites and the Mobile Internet.
Whilst the mobile content services market is still in a period of relative infancy the expectations for growth are significant with analysts forecasting a global mobile entertainment market worth of up to $76 billion by 2011 (Juniper Research, February 2007).
Industry Convergence
The rapid increase in mobile content services has brought about the convergence of the mobile communications, media and entertainment industries. In addition to mobile operators, the converged mobile content market today consists of players from a range of sectors including media, software and content developers, device manufacturers, marketers and advertisers.
Challenges
Whilst the development of these new services brings great benefits, opportunities and empowerment to users, convergence also brings challenges. These can range from regulatory issues (e.g. where subtle changes in regulation of one industry can potentially result in large impacts on other converging industries) through to the potential misuse of phones, or services, such as the sending of mobile spam or access to inappropriate content by children and young people.
GSMA
As the global trade association representing over 700 mobile operators in more than 210 countries and territories, the GSMA seeks to promote the positive, creative and responsible use of new technology and content services whilst working to facilitate international co-operation between its members, governments and regulatory stakeholders
No single sector, whether it is government, industry, or consumers, can be solely responsible for solving the issues that convergence raises or for ensuring that all users have a positive experience from using mobile content services. The GSMA believes that a constructive approach to issues should be adopted with all sectors, including consumers, working together to find and implement workable and effective solutions. Through its Content Group, the GSMA is already working with its member operators to address many of the current issues and continues to examine the ways in which it can facilitate best practice in these areas on an international and cross industry level.
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