February 1st, 2010
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Mobile messaging revenues worldwide are expected to grow to $233 billion in 2014, up from about $150 billion in 2009, according to a new forecast issued by Portio Research. Portio reports that global SMS traffic exceeded 5 trillion messages in 2009, a total expected to double by 2013–more than 4 billion subscribers have now embraced texting, the firm adds. In addition, MMS continues to grow, with full-year revenues for 2009 close to $27 billion worldwide (comparable to what SMS generated five years ago).
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January 27th, 2010
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A Mobile number portability (MNP) service enables mobile phone users to change their service providers without changing their original number. Its purpose is to foster consumer choice and effective competition by enabling subscribers to switch between providers without the costs and inconvenience of changing telephone number. It can also be applied to fixed lines.
Yet, it’s the one thing Claro really wants, second only to overtaking Digicel this year in the marketplace. Digicel on the other hand, says “that the costs of implementing number portability are not outweighed by the benefits, based upon its experience in other markets.” Claro wants it badly; Digicel says it’s too expensive. It is, perhaps, tempting to assume that a newer market entrant would be welcoming MNP much more enthusiastically, mindful of an improved opportunity to grab customers from established rivals. So it’s not surprising then that challenging operators would take the aggressive stance, whereas dominant operators are initially more reluctant to push MNP. Hmmm! more
January 4th, 2010
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Shopping site eBay reported that the Christmas 2009 holiday season saw a huge growth in the level of mobile commerce activity, with customers using their mobiles to buy a wide range of products, including a $75,000 1966 Chevrolet Corvette.
In the past couple of years, many people have been expecting m-commerce to develop into a significant business, based on the fact that e-commerce is now so well established and mobile will add an extra level of convenience. Recent numbers reported by eBay support that view, and show a very strong level of growth. » Read more: Mobile-Commerce Sees Huge Growth This Holiday Season in the USA
December 20th, 2009
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The greatest challenge faced by operators is the way in which they will integrate prepaid customers who do not use banking services into their mobile transaction user base. Obstacles to be overcome include the role of the mobile terminal, the establishing of alliances between telecoms players and banks, regulatory aspects and the potential for fraud.
Signals Telecom Consulting, the leading telecommunications research and consulting firm for markets in Latin America and the Caribbean, announces the availability of its report entitled “Mobile Transaction Market: Banking, Payments and Money Transfers.” In this study, Signals examines various mobile banking alternatives and the use of cell-phones to make payments. » Read more: Over 245 Million Active Users of Mobile Transaction Services by 2014 in Latin America; Mass Adoption of the Service Hinges on Positioning of Terminal as Means of Payment
November 27th, 2009
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Leading mobile telephone company Digicel has accused both LIME and Claro of colluding to gain a competitive advantage in the landline market and is calling on LIME to embrace competition which can only benefit the Jamaican consumer.
However, LIME is categorically refuting allegations made by Digicel that there is collusion between LIME and Claro in setting mobile prices. LIME Country Manager Geoff Houston dismissed the Digicel claim (which Digicel has lodged as a complaint to the Fair Trading Commission – FTC) as nothing more than a spurious attempt to keep inflated prices in the market and to distract the FTC from applying its energies to constraining Digicel’s anti-competitive practices. » Read more: Digicel, Claro and LIME Face off on Fixed-Line Business in Jamaica
November 27th, 2009
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Claro Jamaica, one of the fastest-growing telecoms, but still third largest, says it favours mobile number portability, while acknowledging that the chief benefit to consumers – the ease of switching between networks – is more likely to hurt the rival with the largest pool of subscribers.
The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) says they are now studying portability and its suitability for Jamaica’s relatively small mobile market, but has already signalled it favours the policy. OUR boss Ahmad Zia Mian went so far to say there is no real competition in the market without portability.
“We are pleased that the OUR has recognised the need for there to be discussions on this matter. This is what the industry needs to take it to the next stage of competition and it will increase the benefits for consumers,” said Claro’s Carrier Services Director Robert Shaw. More
November 12th, 2009
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Google is set to become your new phone company, perhaps reducing your phone bill to zilch in the process. Google has reportedly spent $30 million to buy Gizmo5, an online phone company. The service is akin to Skype — but based on open protocols and with a lot fewer users.
Gizmo5’s founder Michael Robertson, a brash serial entrepreneur, would only say that he could not comment on rumors when asked by Wired.com about a story TechCrunch ran Monday reporting the acquisition. Google ignored a request for comment from Wired.com about the reported acquisition.
It’s a potent recipe — take Gizmo5’s open standards-based online calling system. Add to it the new ability to route calls on Google’s massive network of cheap fiber. Toss in Google Voice’s free phone number, which will ring your mobile phone, your home phone and your Gizmo5 client on your laptop. More
November 9th, 2009
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Today we announced that AdMob has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by Google for $750 million. We are extremely excited about this new partnership and what it means for our publishers.
AdMob’s people, products and tools will continue to work to effectively monetize your mobile traffic – no interruptions. Our product and engineering teams will keep building great products for our customers. Our sales team will keep working with our thousands of advertisers to deliver successful campaigns. » Read more: Google to Acquire AdMob
November 6th, 2009
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Telecoms provider Cable and Wireless plc (C&W plc) said that its international operations, which includes Jamaica, will not be sold amidst yesterday’s announcement that the group will separate into two companies in order to increase shareholder value.
“We are not selling the International division,” said Lachlan Johnston, C&W plc director of public relations, in an interview with the Caribbean Business Report. “All that is happening is that the two operating segments of our business are being separated in the demerger.”
The group’s Worldwide and International (CWI) divisions will be split and relisted on international exchanges. Johnston added that services provided to Caribbean customers will remain unchanged. Also, that further details on the demerger will be revealed later in the month.
The group saw a 44 per cent increase in its profit at £120 million for six months ending September 30, but all of this profit came from the International division at £146 million versus the Worldwide division’s £26-million loss.
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October 28th, 2009
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