Data Services Can Still Grow
A recent poll on the frequency of use of GPRS/EDGE services among consumers revealed that data services users are few but increasing.
One thing is very clear, the mobile data usage can never match the voice usage. But I believe it still has a lot of room to grow. The operators with their attention on the voice users should also focus on the data services. We still lack in making the data services known to common masses. Operators can play a pivotal role here in awareness of the mobile data services.
When mobile phones came consumers were already aware of telephonic voice services and voice going mobile was appreciated by all and thus mobile gained popularity. But when SMS entered the market it wasn’t much appreciated because consumer were not really aware of its potential. In fact SMS was rarely used and was costly. But then some steps like making it free for limited time, reducing the cost, bringing in unlimited usage packages (bundles) made SMS an invincible necessity.
Now we have the GPRS/EDGE based data services which are not known by a majority of mobile users. The operators need to run a campaign first to educate the consumers of the potential use of data services and then make these services accessible for all.
A few ways I think this can be done:
- Facebook Mobile. We have a huge base of Facebook users in Pakistan. Many of these users would use it from the mobile if it was easy and cheap.
- Email. Blackberrry aside, using email from other phones is not widespread yet. Awareness of Mobile Email clients needed.
- Mobile Web and Content. This is one of the big things which iPhone accomplished but still needs to widespread.
- Location Based Services. Maps, directions, local information, coupons based on your location.
All the latest mobile set support the mobile data services, awareness will make the little shift in the mind-sets needed to boost these data services which will make room for 3G services.
23:39Imtiazsoon on the potential of EDGE/GPRS services i feel that we still need to make the most out of it and make it as popular as SMS… the recent poll at telecompk.net is the first step to get an idea what percentage usually uses these services
23:39Imtiaz
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Faisal, you have mentioned a very valid point. This is what we, only a little percentage of the mobile users using data services think. The concerns of the operators are different they look for revenue on all their investment. My only point was that by educating the consumers of the data services the 2G offer they can prepare them better for 3G.
I am in total agreement with the HSDPA/HSUPA modules you have mentioned, but for this getting a real picture both the operator and the authority needs to sacrifice. The authority must here understand that delaying the license will leave us behind in technology and demanding high license fee will resist the operator investing in it as they see little revenue from it. Where as the operator must be ready to face low initial revenue out of these services.
Demand for data services will never increase if we keep on staying with GSM/GPRS, What application can you offer and market with such small data rates. Vast majority will never use internet application on their mobile phones. If you think that in other developed countries people are using their phones with web based applications then you are seriously mistaken. The main and biggest application of high speed data in 3G such as HSDPA/HSUPA is built-in laptop modules and 3G enables cards which can be plugged in your computer with PCMCI slot or even USB.
Now if we have 3G network and operator offers me a 3G card where I can insert my SIM and plug this card into my desktop or my laptop and use internet then this would attract me much more than offering me some low data rate offers where I can barely use email or download some ringtones. So if we are not ready for 3G then the reason is that there is nothing to offer.
So what we need to do is to go for 3G and high speed data services. Target should be high speed internet usage for home and business subscribers.
[...] This cup of tea was served by: State of Telecom Industry in Pakistan [...]
i agree with you on that the data users never increase but i have suggestion for the telecom operators that should allow unlimited data packages on prepaid that will increase the data usage as zong given this facility.
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