The acceleration of technological developments in wireless networks up to 3G and beyond, as well as in the production of multi-purpose handsets has given rise to a large variety of content offerings. As a consequence, content providers deployed continuous efforts to enhance their services by multi-media features, m-Commerce and wireless Web related applications. In order to consolidate indications resulting from theoretical research, a survey has been conducted in view of assessing future development prospects in the area of content services. The relevant impact on content providers has been defined in terms of competition, challenges, threats and opportunities. Under this latter aspect, it seems to be established that the “digital divide” is shrinking, at least in the field of mobile communications. In an outlook, patent-based innovation trends in tele-communications are outlined, as well as technological developments expected in mobile network configurations and handset specifications as related to specific forms of content. The economic prospects for the mobile “players”, namely content providers, seem to be more interesting in certain areas than in others, the consumer demand being largely driven by “technology readiness” which could lead to impressive shifts within the global market.
Table of Contents
1. Fundamentals
2. Multi purpose devices, their functions and basic services
2.1 Multi purpose devices
2.2 Communication – Voice / Video
2.3 SMS, MMS, and email
2.4 Camera and Video function
2.5 MP3 Player
2.6 Design Factor
3. Mobile content and content providers
3.1 Mobile content outline
3.1.1 Ringtones, Ringtunes and Ringbacks
3.1.2 Music/Audio-books
3.1.3 TV, video applications
3.1.4 Business applications
3.1.5 Games
3.1.6 Information services, location and tourist services
3.1.7 Online services (WAP)
3.1.8 Other services
3.2 Content providers and content management
3.2.1 Main content providers
3.2.2 Content management
3.2.3 Billing
4. Research – Survey
4.1 Collection Method
4.2 Scope and Limitations
4.3 Participants
4.4 Results
5. Impact on content providers:
5.1 Challenges and Opportunities
5.1.1 Challenges
5.1.2. Opportunities
5.2 Competition and Threats
5.3 Viruses and Protection
6. Conclusion
6.1 Technical prospects
6.1.1 Patent-based innovation trends
6.1.2 3G and beyond
6.1.3 Forthcoming developments
6.2 Economic Prospects in an evolving global market
6.2.1 General considerations
6.2.2 A new business landscape in the mobile world
6.2.3 A decisive factor: “Technology Readiness”
Objectives and Topics
This study evaluates the impact of modern mobile technology developments on content services and their respective providers. The central research question explores whether the explosive global growth of mobile communications will remain steady enough to justify the substantial investments made by the mobile industry and content providers, while examining the influence of customer "technology readiness" on future market success.
- Evolution of mobile network infrastructure and hardware
- Market dynamics of various mobile content categories
- The value chain of the mobile content industry
- Challenges, threats, and opportunities for content providers
- Comparative analysis of regional consumer adoption trends
Extract from the Book
3.1.3 TV, video applications
The next technological challenge requires an assessment to establish the extent to which mobile platforms are appropriate for TV broadcasting.
At the moment, mobile TV is mostly streamed over 3G networks. But sending an individual data stream to each viewer is inefficient, just like Sprint PCS’s MobiTV which provides live, streamed television to mobile phone customers of Sprint PCS’s Vision service. This service will be unsustainable in the long run if mobile TV takes off.
There seems to be general agreement that 3G streaming is the initial stage to the construction of dedicated mobile-TV broadcast networks, which transmit digital TV signals on entirely different frequencies to those used for voice and data transmission. In this area, there are three main standards: DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcast Handheld), favored in Europe; DMB (Digital Mobile Broadcast), which has been adopted in Korea and Japan; and MediaFLO, which is being rolled out in America. Watching TV using any of these technologies requires a TV-capable handset, of course. However, there are only few handsets available on the market which can mainly be found in highly technology-oriented Asian countries.
Summary of Chapters
1. Fundamentals: Outlines the historical development of mobile network infrastructures from 1G to 3G and their role in enabling modern mobile communication.
2. Multi purpose devices, their functions and basic services: Examines how mobile handsets have evolved into "all-in-one" devices, covering voice, communication channels, and multimedia features.
3. Mobile content and content providers: Details the various types of mobile data services and the complex ecosystem of actors involved in the content delivery value chain.
4. Research – Survey: Presents the methodology and results of an empirical survey conducted across Europe, Asia, and the USA regarding mobile content adoption and technology readiness.
5. Impact on content providers: Analyzes the challenges, opportunities, and competitive threats faced by content providers in the rapidly changing mobile market.
6. Conclusion: Summarizes future technical and economic prospects for the mobile industry, highlighting patent trends and the crucial role of "technology readiness" in global markets.
Keywords
Mobile Content, 3G Networks, Handsets, Content Providers, Mobile Multimedia, m-Commerce, Technology Readiness, Digital Divide, Network Operators, Wireless Web, Billing, Digital Rights Management, Mobile Gaming, Telecommunications, Market Adoption
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research evaluates the impact of technological advancements in mobile communication on the delivery and consumption of mobile content, while assessing the business prospects for content providers.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The work covers mobile infrastructure evolution, the categorization of mobile content, the complex industry value chain, and empirical survey data regarding user behavior.
What is the main research question?
The primary research question asks whether the current explosive growth in mobile communications is sustainable and sufficient to justify the massive investments being poured into the industry by network operators and content providers.
Which methodologies are employed?
The study utilizes theoretical research regarding telecommunications industry trends and an empirical survey conducted among students in Europe, Asia, and the USA.
What does the main body of the work address?
It addresses the transition from voice-based services to multi-purpose mobile data delivery, the role of 3G and beyond, and the strategic challenges posed by competition and standardization.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Key terms include mobile content, technology readiness, digital convergence, mobile operators, and global market fragmentation.
How does "Technology Readiness" (TR) influence the findings?
TR acts as a decisive factor for adoption, showing that consumers in Asia are generally more receptive to new mobile technologies compared to their counterparts in the USA or Europe.
What specific challenges do content providers face regarding copyright?
Providers face significant issues with IP protection and piracy; while DRM is seen as a solution, it must be balanced to avoid creating barriers for legitimate users.
Why is the "digital divide" mentioned?
The study finds that the digital divide is continuously shrinking within the context of mobile communications, turning mobile access into a vital tool for economic development in less developed countries.
- Quote paper
- Emanuel Hanser-Strecker (Author), 2006, Modern Mobile Technologies and their Impact on Content Providers, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/56491
