Mar
25
Indian Mobile Customer Base Set To Grow Ahead US Behind China
Filed Under Indian Companies, Emerging Sectors, India Business, Mobile Telecom | Leave a Comment
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a report on growth numbers in February in Telecom Space yesterday- March 24th.
This change can be accounted due to decrease in wire line subscribers over the month. Total wireless addition increases the wireless subscriber base in the country to just over 250 million (250.93 million is forecasted).
The overall tele-density in the country has now crossed over the quarter mark (25.31%).
As per projections by different regulatory bodies, US is adding 2-3 million wireless subscribers per month while India is adding above 8 million per month.
Currently the US has approximately 10 million more subscribers then India. So if we project the rates in future, then India will take over US by April and become second biggest mobile network in world. China will still be much ahead with more than 550 million subscribers.
Amongst other highlights in the reported numbers, is the fact that the growth rate of subscriber addition for Indian operators is continuing at a very high and stable rate.
Even on absolute level, India is adding more customers than China and with the tele-density still at comparatively lower levels, it would be reasonable to expect such good numbers for another 12 to 18 months.
On the operator side, Bharti is still leading the pack in adding new subscribers ahead of Reliance. Bharti added just over 2.2 million in February while Reliance Infocom added approx 1.6 million.
So another major milestone approaches for the mobile industry in India when it will become world’s second biggest network ahead of US. Indian companies have benefited to a great extent due to their lack of legacy and helpful government policies to transform the sector but their next challenge is to profitably monetize the value added services.
Mar
21
Indian Mobile TV Prospects Look Promising
Filed Under Emerging Sectors, India Business, E-Business, New Media, Mobile Telecom | Leave a Comment
I believe that the entire broadcast space is nicely poised in a balance between different mediums at present. On one hand, we have traditional mediums like TV. On the other hand, we have a newer medium like Internet, which after an initial period of hype and bust, is increasingly understood and integrated as an important channel of delivery by traditional firms. To make this mix more exciting, we now have mobile TV.
Mobile TV works on the concept that mobile devices act as an alternative distribution interface allowing customer to view broadcasts made by providers on their hand set. Although the medium is still struggling to find out the most efficient technology, the signs are encouraging that the industry is moving towards some sort of standardization. Just to take the example of the technologies, in recent times DVH - B technology is getting traction in the industry.
In any case, due to the attractive market size and focus from the providers I think that very soon we shall see emergence of a viable model where mobile TV does become attractive for operators and consumers.
As reported by Sify (”Mobile TV services in for a big leap”"), “Indian mobile phone users are ready for TV on mobile services with the target market size expected to reach $360 million by 2008, according to the recent study by Springboard Research.
According to the report, 84% of mobile phone users are interested in using mobile TV service provided the service is commonly available and affordable.
Almost 60% of these will prefer watching the same content that they get on TV at home. News, sports, music videos and game shows were the four dominant types of content that the surveyed users will prefer watching on mobile TV.”
So on one hand, we have providers using Internet to redefine the ways in which to watch TV (youtube.com) and on the other hand, we have TV on mobile that is providing alternate channel for the broadcasters to reach the viewers. To make it more interesting, internet on mobile is a reality for a large numbers today so in fact viewers can already watch sites like youtube.com that are trying to replace TV broadcasters.
To conclude, there are multiple battles going on in this space and the viewers have abundance of choices. On one level, we have choice between traditional broadcasters and newer internet models in defining what content to watch and how it will be done. On another level, we have choice of where to watch the content between computers, traditional television sets and now mobiles. The providers that can work out the right answers have a lot to gain.
About the Author: Yogesh Dashrath is finance business professional based in Europe. He actively tracks Indian business developments and is a frequent contributor to India-Business-Review.com. He is an alumnus of IIM Lucknow, and can be reached using the Contact page.
Mar
9
Ready For Mobile TV in India?
Filed Under India Business, New Media, Mobile Telecom | Leave a Comment
“Mobile TV” is an upcoming technology that will enable consumers and users to watch television on mobiles or cell phones. Mobile TV also assures to open improved opportunities for governments to provide enhanced services such as education, healthcare, safety and security to all citizens.
This advanced technology is soon to debut in India and everyone in the country is eager to new opportunities and benefits provided by this service.
Today, mobiles or cell phones have become a ubiquitous device in India. People are looking for everything on their mobile phones, from organizing their work, keeping reminders to hearing music and playing games. That’s the reason the desire and eagerness of Mobile TV came into picture.
Unveiling of mobile TV in India is natural evolution in technological innovation. This entertaining medium will definitely bring a revolution in media, wireless and broadcast industries. It will empower business users to get the latest stock information, teenager to enjoy their favorite shows and housewives to catch their favorite household items, all on the go.
Mobile TV is not a completely new concept in terms of technology as it simply blends the existing technologies of television and mobile phones. The convergence of these two technologies pioneer new forms of interactivity, facilitating delivery of persuasive content and services for a rich, high class, immersive consumer experience.
In many countries worldwide, Mobile TV has already launched and in India it is expected to launch this year. The country is expected to announce the 3G policy, a vital requirement for introducing this innovative technology. GPRS edge or 3G, based on Java application, is the fundamental or basic requirement for launching mobile TV. Through this consumers can access all the channels provided by the subscribers.
Other technology standards required for launching and introducing Mobile TV are FLO (Forward Link Only), DMB-T (Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial), DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcasting - Handheld) and ISDB-T (Integrated Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial).
- Ericsson and BPL mobile manufacturers are keen on establishing the Mobile TV platform for telecom patrons in India.
- It is believed that BPL is signing a partnership with China’s ZTE to make the innovative technology of Mobile TV possible on GSM platform. It is expected to provide real time news channels such as NDTV, CNBC, Aajtak and Headlines Today.
- Nokia, the world’s largest mobile phones manufacturer, is planning to establish manufacturing hubs in India and China for manufacturing N-Series-Mobile TV Phones.
- Reliance Infocom is no exception, rather it’s ahead of all. Reliance has already started offering news channels through video streaming on its CDMA network.
Mobile TV is as simple and convenient as you watch TV shows online. Online television was also a result of innovative technology and now mobile television is entering the market with lucrative business opportunities and convenient source of fun and entertainment, all your way. So, just wait and watch to enjoy the benefits of Mobile TV in India.
For more resources on Mobile TV in India check Indian News. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennie_Gandhi
