Global 3G subscribers to double to 85 million in 2005

New research launched by Wireless World Forum entitled 3G Trends Analysis: A Quarterly Briefing" reveals that global 3G subscribers will grow from an estimated 45 million at the end of 2004 to 85 million in 2005.

(PRWEB) September 17, 2004 -- New research launched by Wireless World Forum entitled 3G Trends Analysis: A Quarterly Briefing" reveals that global 3G subscribers will grow from an estimated 45 million at the end of 2004 to 85 million in 2005.

Although 2004 has been a year of false 3G expectations outside of Japan and Korea, 2005 could potentially be a good year for 3G in the Rest of the World. This, however, will not be the case if operators in Europe and America fail to adopt the 3G policies of seamless migration" successfully implemented in both Korea and Japan.

Using seamless migration", Japanese operators have managed to subscribe 1 in every 6 of the population, compared to 1.3% in Europe. European uptake has been led by Hutchison 3G (Three") whose strategies have failed to vindicate the business model associated with 3G. Three" has reinforced the existence of demand for low cost voice calls as opposed to high end data services.

American operators are potentially less conservative in their approach to 3G services than their European counterparts. If they were to adopt the seamless migration" strategies of their Asian peers they would leapfrog European 3G subscriber figures by 2007.

Graham Brown, W2F director and co-founder adds
Most operators are currently dragging their feet on 3G, looking to fulfil license-bound obligations as opposed to maximizing the service potential. They look at Hutchison and see ARPU decline that threatens their long term 'growth story to shareholders."

Outside of Japan and Korea the Industry has few success stories to hang their hat on. But, as we have seen with mobile data, the answers to key industry issues such as 'will 3G increase user spend? or 'when will 3G become commercially viable lie in examining the data from Asia and understanding how this can be successfully imported to other markets."

About Wireless World Forum (W2F")
Established in 2001, the Forum is a subscription based research network of 4300 senior executives in the wireless industry representing 2700 companies in 99 countries. W2F has offices in the United Kingdom and India. More information www.w2forum.com

Contact:
Eyabo Macauley, Press Office
+44 207 386 3635
eyabo@w2forum.com
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