LAS VEGAS-Qualcomm Inc., Lucent Technologies Inc. and Microsoft Corp. said a study they commissioned showed consumers want mobile multimedia services now.
International Data Corp., which conducted the research study, surveyed several end-user segments to determine what the most popular mobile Internet applications would be if significant wireless bandwidth, enabled by third-generation wireless networks, was available. According to IDC, respondents showed the most interest in accessing e-mail with large attachments, while the second highest-rated application was accessing pictures and music.
“The compelling finding of the IDC study was that consumers want to take advantage of mobile multimedia data services now to improve work productivity and enhance their lifestyles,” said Jeff Jacobs, senior vice president of business development for Qualcomm. “The research underscores our belief that wireless service providers can meet these demands for the mobile Internet immediately with cost-effective 3G technologies like cdma2000 1x and cdma2000 1xEV, using existing spectrum and infrastructure.”
In addition to wireless e-mail and the ability to access pictures and music, other popular applications included Internet access during drive time and wireless access to information via the Internet and company intranets. The study also found that 31 percent of those surveyed indicated they had more than 30 minutes of time per day to take advantage of these services.
The companies said based on the results of this study they are working to identify ways to help stimulate the market for these services.
The three companies, along with IDC, also conducted market sizing and business modeling research for the North American market. IDC’s forecast shows the market for wireless high-speed data users growing to more than 27 million in 2007 from the projected 700,000 users who will sign up in 2002.
“We anticipate rapid market growth as mobile professionals with children are the first to exploit the new cdma2000 1x and 1xEV services,” said H. Paris Burstyn, vice president, communications consulting at IDC. “Our survey showed that these potential customers already have experience using leading-edge wireless technologies; they have a high level of interest in the applications 1xEV supports; and they express a willingness to pay for the service.
“Based upon the customer projections, the study projected that the market for these wireless services would grow to nearly $2 billion in revenue during the second year of availability,” Burstyn continued.
