Mobile Serviceswatch, issue 2008.08 snapshot
22 August 2008
CONSUMER: Singapore’s mobile operators kicked off a DVB-H trial, with the pilot scheduled to run for three months. Elsewhere, several developments in the mobile TV space sparked concern, with early-stage suppliers struggling, and little evidence of consumer demand. [pp.3,28-30.]
Issue: 2008.08
Covering: 15 July to 16 August 2008
Published: August 2008
Next issue: Mid-September 2008
Latest trends in monetising operator-centric mobile value-added services. A unique monthly report for the industry.
CONSUMER: Singapore’s mobile operators kicked off a DVB-H trial, with the pilot scheduled to run for three months. Elsewhere, several developments in the mobile TV space sparked concern, with early-stage suppliers struggling, and little evidence of consumer demand. [pp.3,28-30.]
AT&T extended its own-brand navigation service with international capabilities, a claimed first for a US operator. Telefónica signed a global framework agreement with Google covering Google Maps, which sees its operating companies worldwide able to “opt-in” for availability. Vodafone UK launched Find & Go, offering navigation services without the need for ongoing subscriptions. [pp.3,4.]
O2 UK axed a service providing access to MMS messages for customers with non-MMS handsets, after it was revealed that content could be accessed by third parties due to a relative lack of security. Orange is trialling “in-SMS” advertising, with marketing material inserted at the end of person-to-person messages. Eight Brazilian telcos teamed to offer interoperable mobile IM services, working in line with a framework drawn up by the GSM Association. [pp.5,6.]
O2 UK partnered with Sony BMG for the launch of an “artist-led” music store, while Vodafone Italy and EMI teamed to offer non-DRM-protected content. Also in Italy, 3 Italia launched subscription music services. [pp.7,8.]
Sprint launched Sprint Web, delivering personalised portal homepages to users, using customisation technology from ChangingWorlds. Alltel Wireless launched its MyShow imaging application, enabling customers to create “slideshows” from cameraphone images. Helio is working with Loop Mobile in the social-networking space. [pp.9,7,10.]
Verizon Wireless launched PTT-over-Rev.A services, benefiting from a speed advantage over its earlier PTT deployments. Verizon also launched a Visual Voice Mail service, although its supporting handset range is limited. [pp.11.]
ENTERPRISE: Etisalat partnered with Neverfail to offer high-availability BlackBerry services, while O2 UK also allied with Neverfail. In North America, AT&T signed up for the Microsoft Partner Solutions Center, enabling the operator to test and demonstrate mobile solutions to Microsoft and its enterprise customers. [pp.12,13.]
INDUSTRY: Philippines operator Globe Telecom bought mobile content company Entertainment Gateway Group, with the new subsidiary set to ramp-up its overseas efforts. Motorola Ventures made an investment in Amobee Media Systems, alongside Cisco Systems. Perhaps unsurprisingly, AT&T kicked off a war of words with Sprint over the latter’s Clearwire plans, calling for a full FCC probe into Sprint’s efforts. [pp.14,16.]
Social-networking company Twitter blamed operator costs for its abandonment of outbound SMS message alerts, a feature that was seen as one of its key differentiators. A US content middleman settled a class-action suit with disgruntled customers, following a recent similar case involving AT&T. Google talked up the potential of mobile advertising. [pp.15,17,16.]
The Mobile Marketing Association published its Global Code of Conduct, intended to offer guidelines for mobile marketers during the content development process. Qualcomm became a board member of the Broadcast Mobile Convergence Forum. [pp.18.]
The European Union found that 80% of mobile content websites breached consumer rules, with the authority now working with national regulators to take further action. UK watchdog PhonepayPlus outlined its premium-rate regulation plans, with a consultation period now open. The European Union is also looking at international data roaming costs, with the possibility of regulation. [pp.19,20,21.]
ENABLERS: T-Mobile USA is set to launch a cross-platform handset application store, selling software for a wide range of devices. Nokia trumpeted the works of eight application developers involved in its Forum Nokia Innovation Series. [p.26,25.]
Nokia is beta-testing a consumer mobile email service, which will again put it in competition with its service provider customers. Mobile messaging company OZ announced a mobile email system for consumer smartphone users. And Volantis announced an updated version of its Mobile Content Storefront, integrated with social-networking sites to support user product recommendations. [pp.26,27.]
TRENDS: Mobile mapping services are gaining traction in Europe and the US, with device browsers representing the access method of choice. Location-based social networking will be worth $3.3bn in 2013, although the fragmented nature of the market still needs to be addressed. [pp.31,32.]
Service providers stand to earn $5bn from mobile transaction services by 2013, as migrant workers and the “underbanked” drive take-up. The mobile data market in the Indian sub-continent will be worth $8.2bn in 2013, with handsets the most common internet access tool due to restricted fixed-line broadband penetration. [pp.31,33.]
EXTRACT
LOCATION:AT&T extends own-brand navigation service overseas
AT&T announced AT&T Navigator Global Edition, describing the extension of its existing national AT&T Navigator service as “the only GPS-based service available from a US wireless carrier to provide international navigation capabilities”.
Powered by TeleNav, the service can now be used in 20 countries, including territories in North America, Western Europe, and China. It is supported by a range of devices, including enterprise-focused Research In Motion’s BlackBerry and Windows Mobile-powered terminals.
AT&T Navigator Global Edition provides turn-by-turn navigation in multiple languages, including English, German, Italian, and Spanish. Other features include a location-based “business finder” service.
The operator suggested the purchase of one of its international data roaming plans to support AT&T Navigator Global Edition when overseas. Otherwise, high international rates will apply for data transfer related to the service.
[Further reference: AT&T Navigator goes global -- AT&T, 22 July 2008.]
Telefónica signs up for Google Maps
Telefónica signed a global framework agreement with Google that enables Google Maps for Mobile to be made available to Telefónica subscribers, with all of the operator group’s international businesses able to “opt-in” for availability.
Under the agreement, Telefónica can offer access to Google Maps for Mobile in two different ways: either via a link on its WAP portal to a downloadable enabling application; or by preloading the application on eligible handsets. It said that “the availability of flat-rate mobile browsing packages…means customers can enjoy the service while controlling their monthly data usage”.
The first unit to launch Google Maps for Mobile will be Telefónica Espana.
[Further reference: Telefónica adds Google Maps to its handsets -- Telefónica, 29 July 2008.]
Vodafone UK and Telmap trumpet Find & Go launch
Vodafone UK and navigation systems company Telmap announced the launch of Vodafone’s Find & Go service, also working with online mapping specialist Multimap on the launch.
According to Telmap, the service “conveniently converges PC [personal computer] location-based services with the mobile phone”, with customers able to search for destinations on their PCs via Multimap, and then send directions to a mobile phone free of charge. Navigation is enabled by either Multimap’s Driving Direction Service or Find & Go, with the latter able to suggest alternative routes based on traffic conditions and estimate times of arrival, delivering “the very latest 3D maps and directions with the added benefit of spoken instructions announcing street names”, and listing “millions” of points of interest.
According to Vodafone UK, the new offering builds on the success of its Vodafone SatNav service, while making navigation available to customers without the need for an ongoing subscription. Supported by 14 handsets, six of which incorporate GPS and eight that need a GPS peripheral, Find & Go‘s maps, local search, and driving directions are free of charge, with an option to subscribe to the turn-by-turn service for £5 ($9.38) per month.
[Further reference: Vodafone UK to launch Find & Go -- Telmap, 21 July 2008.]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 Consumer
2 Operator content deals
3 Broadcast;
Location-based services;
Mobile advertising
5 Messaging
7 Multimedia;
Music
9 Portals
10 Social networking
11 Voice services
12 Enterprise
12 Mobile office
13 Solutions
14 Industry
14 Companies
18 Initiatives
19 Events;
Regulation
21 People
24 enablers
24 Operator technology deals
25 Applications
26 Services
27 Products
28 Trends
28 Markets
34 INDEX
INDEX
Symbols
3
Australia, 14
Italy, 8
Scandinavia, 27
A
ABI Research, 32
Accel Partners, 14
Acuity Capital, 16
Ad Infuse, 3, 24
Advanced Wireless Solutions, 25
AIS, Thailand, 14
Alcatel-Lucent, 3, 11, 24
Alltel Wireless, US, 7, 27
Amdocs, 22
OpenMarket, 22
America Movil, 18
Amobee Media Systems, 6, 14
AOL, 18
Apple, 26, 31
Artificial Life, 17
Aspiro, 15
AT&T, 2, 3, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 25, 27
AT&T Navigator, 3
B
Bango, 27
BBC, 24
Bharti Airtel, India, 19
Bouygues Telecom, 17
Brazil Telecom, 6
Bridge Mobile Alliance, 14
Broadcast Mobile Convergence Forum, 18
BSkyB, 22
BT Group, 22
Movio, 22
Bubble Motion, 21
Buongiorno, 28
C
CallWave, 18
Casio, 11
Celltick, 14, 24
ChangingWorlds, 9, 24
China Mobile, 19
China Unicom, 24
Cisco Systems, 14
Citibank, 15
Claro, Brazil, 6
Clearwire, 16
Comcast, 21
comScore, 31
Comverse Technology, 11, 24
Connect 2 Media, 16
CTBC Brazil, 6
D
Deutsche Telekom, 15
Devas Multimedia, 15
Dialog Telekom, Sri Lanka, 14
Digital Chocolate, 14
DiGi Telecommunications, Malaysia, 19
dotMobi, 26
E
Electronic Arts, 2
eMarketer, 32
EMI, 2, 8
Entertainment Gateway Group, 14
Etisalat, UAE, 12
European Union, 19, 21, 22, 23, 32
EC, 21, 22, 23, 28
F
Facebook, 27
FCC, US, 16
Fonestarz Media Group, 17
France Telecom
Orange, 2, 6, 14, 22
Frost & Sullivan, 9
G
Gameloft, 2
Garmin International, 32
Gemalto, 3
Globespan Capital Partners, 14
Globe Telecom, Philippines, 14
EGG, 14
GoMedia, 7
Google, 4, 5, 9, 16, 26
Gmail, 26
Google Maps, 4
GSM Association, 6, 19, 20, 22
Personal IM, 6
GyPSii, 32
H
Hands-On Mobile, 16
Helio, US, 10
I
IBM, 14
Intel, 16
J
Joikusoft, 25
Juniper Research, 31, 33
K
KamberEdelson, 17
KOCCA, Korea, 20
KT
KTF, 19
L
LG Electronics, 11, 28
Loop Mobile, 10, 14
Loopt, 32
M
M1, Singapore, 3
Maxis Communications, 19, 25
mBlox, 14, 16, 22
MEDIA & BROADCAST, 28
MediaCorp, 3
MediaFLO, 18
Microsoft, 3, 13, 17, 18, 25, 26, 27
MSN, 26
MMetrics, 31
Mobile 3.0, Germany, 28, 30
Mobile Broadcasting Corporation, Japan, 29, 30
Mobile Entry, 15
Mobile Marketing Association, 18, 20, 22
Mobile Money Ventures, 15
Mobile Streams, 18
Mobilink GSM, Pakistan, 24
mobilkom, Austria, 2, 22
Mobitel, 2
MobiTV, 19
Mobixell Networks, 24
MoMac, 24
Monsoon Multimedia, 25
Motorola, 11, 14
Multimap, 4
N
NBC, 2
Neverfail, 12
News Corp, 28
Jamba/Jamster, 28
Nextel Brazil, 6
Nielsen Mobile, 28
Nokia, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 25, 26, 28, 31, 32
Forum Nokia, 25
N-Gage, 28
Nokia Email, 26
NTT DoCoMo, 19, 29
O
One Italia, 8
Openwave Systems, 16
Opera Software, 10
Optimus, Portugal, 17
Optus, Australia, 13, 14, 18
Oracle, 14
Orange Group, 2, 6, 14, 22
Switzerland, 6
UK, 2
OZ, 27
P
Paymo, 14
Pelago, 25, 32
PhonepayPlus, 20
Picsel Technologies, 21
Player X, 17
Gaelco Moviles, 17
Plazes, 15, 32
Plusmo, 25
Q
Qik, 25
Qualcomm, 11, 18, 21, 30
MediaFLO, 18
R
RealNetworks, 9
Regions
Americas, 6, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22
Brazil, 6, 17
Canada, 15
Chile, 9
North America, 3, 10, 18, 20, 30
US, 2, 3, 7, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 24, 28, 30, 31
APAC, 15, 19, 20
Australia, 2, 10, 13, 14, 15, 17
China, 3, 14, 15, 19, 24, 31
Hong Kong, 14, 15
India, 6, 14, 15, 17, 33
Japan, 14, 29, 30
Malaysia, 6, 19
Pakistan, 24, 33
Philippines, 14
Singapore, 3, 14
South Korea, 20
Thailand, 14
EMEA
Africa, 18, 31
Austria, 2, 22
Czech Republic, 22
France, 22, 32
Germany, 2, 3, 15, 21, 22, 28, 30, 31, 32
Greece, 19
Ireland, 17, 22
Italy, 2, 3, 8, 22, 30, 31, 32
Middle East, 14, 18, 31
Netherlands, 22
Norway, 15
Poland, 22
Romania, 22
Russia, 24
Slovakia, 22
Slovenia, 2
South Africa, 23
Spain, 3, 17, 22, 32
Switzerland, 3, 24
UK, 2, 7, 9, 10, 12, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 28, 31, 32
Research In Motion, 3
BlackBerry, 3, 12
Rogers Wireless, 19
Rural Cellular Association, US, 16
S
Safaricom, Kenya
M-PESA, 31
Samsung, 3, 10, 28, 32
Sequoia Capital, 14
Sercomtel, Brazil, 6
SEVEN, 14
Sharp, 29
SingTel, Singapore, 3, 18
SK Telecom, 15, 19, 29
Sony BMG, 7, 8, 21
Sony Ericsson, 9, 10
Sprint, 6, 9, 11, 16, 17, 19, 24, 27
Sprint Web, 9, 24
StarHub, Singapore, 3
Strategy Analytics, 29
Swisscom, 3, 24
Symbian, 25, 26, 27
T
Technology
DMB, 29, 30
DRM, 2, 8
DVB-H, 2, 3, 23, 28, 29, 30
DVB-T, 28
FLO, 18, 30
GPS, 3, 4, 25
iDEN, 11
IM, 6, 10, 25
IP, 13
Java, 25, 26
PTT, 11
Wi-Fi, 25
WiMAX, 16
Tekelec, 24
Telefonica, 4, 9, 14, 17, 18, 21, 22, 27
Movistar Chile, 9
O2, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 21, 22
O2 Active, 7
O2 Bluebook, 5
O2 Germany, 10
O2 UK, 5, 7, 12
Spain, 4
Telekom Malaysia
Dialog Telekom, 14
TeleNav, 3
Telenor, 19, 27
TeliaSonera, 27
Telmap, 4
Telstra, 2, 14
TELUS, Canada, 19
ThoroughVisioN, 2
TIM, 6
Brazil, 6
TMN, Portugal, 17
T-Mobile International, 22, 26, 27
USA, 26, 27
Toshiba, 29, 30
TU Media, 29
Twistbox, 21
Twitter, 15
U
UbiEst, 25
Universal Music, 8
V
Valista, 29
Verizon Wireless, 2, 11, 18, 24, 27, 32
Visual Voice Mail, 11, 24
Viacom
MTV Networks, 2
VimpelCom, Russia, 24
Virgin Mobile, 10, 14
USA, 10
Vivo, 6
Vodafone Group, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 12, 14, 17, 18, 21, 22, 24, 28
Find & Go, 4
Germany, 2, 28
India, 14
Italy, 2, 8
M-PESA, 31
UK, 4, 9, 12, 24
Vodafone live!, 3, 9, 24
Volantis, 27
W
Warner Bros
Warner Music, 8
WebMessenger, 18, 25
Wind, Italy, 17
WIN, UK, 18, 19
Wmode, 19
Y
Yahoo!, 18
Z
Zed, 17, 28
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