10 June 2008

Worldwide 3G Mobile TV Services Growing Steadily

Global 3G mobile TV services are growing steadily, but whilst mobile operators can rely on their own network and offer more channels via 3G mobile TV streaming services the video quality still is not as consistent as other mobile TV technology, according to a report.

Worldwide 3G mobile TV subscribers will reach 42 million in 2012, however, according to a forecast by market research company In-Stat, which expects worldwide 3G mobile TV revenues to reach $5 billion by 2012.

“The 3G mobile TV service is only available to those with 3G handsets and plans, so 3G mobile TV services cannot be offered to the entire subscriber base, unlike a mobile TV broadcast service,” explained Michelle Abraham, an analyst for In-Stat. “So, uptake in 3G mobile TV is dependent on an increase in the number of 3G subscribers. Today 3G penetration is far less than 50% for most operators, with 3G mobile TV penetration of 3G subscribers below 10% for many mobile operators. Steady growth is expected, however, in both 3G penetration and 3G mobile TV subscriptions.”