Music Could Prove More Popular Than Gaming in US Mobile Market
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., September 27, 2005 -
Mobile music services—either in the form of downloadable music files or broadcast digital radio—have greater interest among US mobile customers than gaming, an application that is now providing some of the greatest mobile data revenue, reports In-Stat (http://www.in-stat.com). However, the ecosystem that will permit widespread uptake of music applications is not yet mature, and shows signs of being put on hold until key issues, such as pricing, revenue sharing and Digital Rights Management (DRM), can be worked out, the high-tech market research firm says.
“The window to catch a group of wireless users we call ‘Mobile Music Intenders’ - those interested in mobile music services - may be closing soon,” says David Chamberlain, In-Stat analyst. “They’re ready to buy new handsets and they’re willing to pay extra for handsets that play music. Without available music services or handsets, carriers may miss this opportunity to grab what could end up being a very lucrative mobile music market.”
A recent report by In-Stat found the following:
Music Intenders are willing to pay extra for their mobile phones. Over one-fourth spent more than $150 for their current handset; more than two-thirds expect to buy new phones before the end of 2005.
Overall, 34% of wireless subscribers surveyed are “somewhat”, “very”, or “extremely” interested in mobile music services.
Survey respondents who could be classified as “MP3 Intenders” have a distinct demographic profile when compared with the general population. They are younger, male, prefer Sprint PCS and T-Mobile, and spend more on their handsets.
Recent In-Stat research, Mobile Music Intenders: Get 'em While They're Hot (#IN0502051MCD), covers the US mobile wireless market. It includes end-user research based on the recent Consumer Mobility Study (CMS) conducted by In-Stat. It includes forecasts and analysis of mobile data services with a focus on mobile music services.
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In-Stat’s market intelligence combines technical, market and end-user research and database models to analyze the Mobile Internet and Digital Entertainment ecosystems. Our insights are derived from a deep understanding of technology impacts, nearly 30 years of history in research and consulting, and direct relationships with leading players in each of our core markets. In-Stat provides its research through reports, annual subscriptions, consulting and advisory services to inform critical decisions. Technology vendors, equipment manufacturers, service providers and media companies worldwide rely on In-Stat to support critical business, product and technology decisions.
