|
|
|
|
|
Indian Mobile Device Market in the Coming Days
By
P. K. Chatterjee
Mumbai, Apr 29, 2008
In a recent ABI research report on mobile device market, the research group's vice president Jake Saunders states,"Operators and distributors continued to top up their inventories in 1Q 2008 after a particularly strong 4Q 2007. Year on year, 1Q 2008 was up 13.7%, but 2Q 2008 is likely to be softer than in previous years".
The report also communicates that shipment volumes in the developed markets have softened slightly due to the credit crisis, but emerging markets such as Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East/Africa are delivering growth rate percentages in the mid-20s. Mobile devices have proved to be a 'lifestyle necessity', rather than a mere luxury accessory.
What does this indicate for us? Obviously, mobile penetration will further increase in our country. However, as the urban areas are nearing the saturation mark fast, the actual huge growth will take place in the semi-urban and/or rural areas.
Contextually, even in urban areas, every year a fairly large population of students and job-entrants pick up new connections. And the demand of this age-group is Value Added Service (VAS). The new generation needs something beyond SMS, caller tune varieties, even movie clips.
What type of sets'll find more sales? Obviously, in rural and parts of semi-urban areas, where the main stress will be on wireless tele-connectivity than anything else, coupled by non-availability of VAS- low-priced, sturdy handsets are expected to sell more.
However, in urban areas, especially, the young generation including the student community will prefer - E-mail, Search and Music download facilities in their mobile phones. Businessmen or corporate executives will require little more - GPS and M-commerce ability.
Who are the prominent vendors? According to the ABI Research report, "The market is still very much dominated by the 'Big 5' (Nokia, Samsung, LG, Motorola and Sony Ericsson) manufacturers, but an innovative tier of manufacturers (RIM, HTC, Apple) has been stirring up interest in smartphones, and will soon be joined by a new class of mobile device: Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs). MIDs made their debut last year, but vendors such as Lenovo, Aigo, and Asus are expected to drive growth rapidly."
In Indian context, however, realizing all these growth potentials is depending on highly efficient, effective and economic VAS. VAS creators have to be active to supply most relevant contents to the operators. They have to stress on components, such as financial services, mobile-commerce elements and money transfer opportunities. Contextually, localization of content is also very important. In other words, sell of the devices will largely depend on overall quality of services available. Above all, creating awareness among the potential users will play the major role.
Related Links
Samsung Adopts Brand New Strategy in Mobile Space
High-end Mobile Phones Won't Replace Laptops
|
Disclaimer |
ITNation
(India) Pvt. Limited and its sites:
www.channeltimes.com, www.techtree.com
and www.cxotoday.com provide
Comments and discussion boards as a professional medium
for the various businesses of the IT industry to discuss
business problems. Gossip, personal attacks and unsubstantiated
charges are prohibited. Messages posted on this Web site
as discussion threads or Comments (Content) are solely the
opinions of their creators and do not necessarily reflect
the opinions of ITNation (India) Pvt. Limited or its sites
www.channeltimes.com, www.techtree.com
and www.cxotoday.com.
All individuals who post material to this web site are solely
responsible for all Content that they upload, post or otherwise
transmit via the Web Site. |
| ITNation
cannot vouch for the authenticity of the user or company
names or e-mail addresses associated with posted messages.
Under no circumstances will ITNation
India Pvt.Ltd. or ChannelTimes
be liable in any way for any Content, including, but not
limited to, for any errors or omissions in any Content,
or for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result
of the use of any Content posted or otherwise transmitted
via the Bulletin Boards. |
| ITNation
reserves the exclusive right to edit or remove messages
containing inappropriate language or other material that
could be construed as libelous, potentially libelous, or
otherwise offensive or inappropriate. Discussion forums,
bulletin boards and chat facilities are provided by ITNation
solely for the convenience of those who make use of the
service. ITNation does not endorse the products and services
or other offerings mentioned in messages. |
|
|
|
|
|
