Indian mobile services market to hit Rs. 1.2 trillion in 2013: Gartner
Gartner estimates India's mobile services will post an 8 percent growth in 2013. The research firm also highlights the challenges faced by the Indian telecom operators.
According to a new report from research and analysis firm Gartner, India’s mobile services market is set to hit Rs. 1.2 lakh crore (Rs. 1.2 trillion) by 2013, registering a growth of 8 percent from Rs 1.1 lakh crore recorded in 2012. The report further says mobile connections will surge to 770 million this year, which is an 11 percent hike from 712 million connections last year.
“The mobile market in India will continue to face challenges if the average revenue per user (ARPU) does not grow significantly,” Shalini Verma, principal research analyst at Gartner is quoted as saying
“If the prevailing conditions do not change in the Indian telecom market, India will account for 12 per cent worldwide mobile connections, but just 2 per cent of worldwide mobile services revenue (in constant dollar) in 2013,” she added.
The report also underlines the challenges faced the Indian telecom operators. According to the report, the first challenge they face is increase their profit amid intense competition and sustaining growth by competing against the likes of Facebook and WhatsApp.
On mobile services, Verma says, “As mobile voice services continue to get commoditised in the country with the increased use of voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and the probable termination of national roaming charges, mobile broadband is the area of opportunity for operators.”
“India has a phenomenal pent up demand for mobile broadband and local mobile applications that solve the everyday problems for consumers. Smaller mobile broadband plans using a sachet-style usage pattern appeal to Indian consumers.”
Source: The Hindu