Mobile Data Opportunitiesin Emerging Markets
According to a recent study by Pyramid Research of wireless subscribers across the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China), Brazilians showed the most interest in using wireless data services. The study asked 2,500 mobile phone users under which of the following circumstances they would use data services like wireless Internet and mobile TV — if it were free, if the price were right or not interested at all. More Brazilians indicated that they would consume mobile data than respondents from any other BRIC country.
The price that respondents would be ready to pay for mobile data services differed greatly depending on the application and country. Russians are prepared to spend the most at an average of $4.23 per month, while subscribers in Brazil and China would pay around $4 per month and Indian subscribers are only willing to pay $1.50.
In India, 20 percent of respondents expressed an interest for mobile data applications. While the lowest proportion of all the markets surveyed, this would still represent an opportunity of about 27 million users. If these subscribers opt to spend the $1.44/month mentioned as the preferred spending level, mobile data has the potential of generating annual revenues of $466.5 million. Given that BRIC countries are forecasted to add an estimated 645 million new subscribers over the next five years, the mobile data opportunity is substantial.
Kids Have Power
Expect to see more tech items targeting young consumers. MarketResearch.com projects children’s direct buying power to approach $52 billion by 2006. Analysts also see increasing sales potential in electronics, especially computers.
By 2007 an estimated 57 percent of children age 11 or younger will be online. Forty-six percent of 7- to 12-year-olds already go online at least four times a week, while 20 percent use the Internet daily. What’s more, over two million kids age 6 to 17 have their own websites.
Nokia Struts Its Fashionable Self
Nokia has introduced a collection of three trend-inspired mobile phones, the Nokia 7360, Nokia 7370 and Nokia 7380. Each model in the L’Amour Collection offers a mix of contrasts — infusing cultural and ethnic influences with luxurious touches. All models will be available in Q1 2006.
“For many consumers, the mobile phone has truly become an extension of their personal style — it is a fashion statement as well as an advanced communications device,” said Alastair Curtis, VP of Design at Nokia’s Mobile Phones division. “Every detail of these products, from the nature-inspired graphics to the velvet-lined pouches, has been carefully considered with the style-conscious individual in mind.”
In the design and development of the L’Amour Collection, Nokia’s Design team looked to materials such as amber, ceramic, turquoise, silk and enamel for inspiration. Craft techniques, such as enameling and etching, added a creative spark to the graphics, materials, finishes and colors selected for each model in the collection.
The Nokia 7360 will come with elegant accessories, including straps and carrying pouches. The handset is available in the two signature L’Amour Collection color schemes, coffee brown and warm amber. Each model has a distinct set of graphics, screensavers and accessories. The estimated price of the 7360 is 200 euros.
The Nokia 7370 offers a touch of the unexpected. The 7370 “swivels” open to reveal a hidden keypad. On the handset, patterns etched into the elegant metal trims are contrasted by leather-inspired faceplates. The phone has a 1.3-megapixel camera and 3D sound effects. It will retail for about 300 euros.
The Nokia 7380 is the top of the line in the new collection. The handset comes with an etched mirrored surface and discreet keyless dial. A leather cover and a mirrored display subtly mask the sophisticated technology, which includes a 2-megapixel camera and intuitive voice dialing. This handset will retail for about 500 euros.
