The evolution from 3G to 4G will be
stimulated by services offering enhanced quality, requiring increased
bandwidth, elevated sophistication of large-scale information provision,
and improved customization capabilities to support user demands.
Further, many 4G applications are set to evolve in a multiplatform
environment: “4G applications will be available seamlessly across
various wireless technologies (LTE, Wi-Fi, UWB, WiMAX, etc.) and device
types (cell phones, laptops, e-readers, PNDs, digital cameras, printers,
tablet PCs, etc.) with the same QoS anytime, anywhere,” noted Adlane
Fellah, Senior Analyst.
“While it is still unclear which types of mobile applications and
services, pricing and business models will be used by carriers on their
upcoming 4G networks, we are unlikely to see a revolution in the 4G
space. Applications are likely to be extended and improved versions of
existing 3G services,” noted Julien Blin, report co-author and Senior
Analyst.
“Next generation applications such as wireless VoIP, e-readers apps,
mobile IPTV, telematics, M2M apps (e.g. smart grids), and location-aware
mobile apps/services embedded with social networking and user-generated
content capabilities are likely to become key applications in the
upcoming 4G apps space,” added Fellah.
According to the report, the 4G industry is likely to see new killer
devices in the line of the iPhone 3G S, Palm Pre, G1/G2 phones, and the
Storm, in the 4G space, which will help drive adoption of 4G
applications and services.
Mobile app stores are set to become a key distribution channel for
upcoming 4G applications. Ultimately, they could end up being a godsend
for many carriers at a time when disruptive applications like Skype are
threatening carriers’ voice ARPUs. That said, solving cross-mobile app
store interoperability issues and content discovery issues will be
critical. Adding peer-to-peer recommendations, location awareness, and
enhanced mobile search engines to existing mobile app stores should play
a key role here.
Several issues will need to be overcome before the future 4G apps market
reaches its full potential. These include handset limitation, the poor
user experience on many feature phones, the need for sustainable and
profitable 4G business and pricing models, mobile discovery issues,
privacy and security issues, increased fragmentation, and the lack of
standards. Other issues include the low penetration and high cost of
data plans and services, and the lack of awareness when it comes to
certain mobile data services.
The report analyzes the key operators, future drivers, and key
issues/inhibitors in the upcoming 4G apps space. It also assesses the
future leading 4G players’ strategies toward 4G applications and
services.
Applications reviewed in detail in the report include:
• Mobile IPTV
• Social Networking Services/User-generated Content
• Mobile Marketing and Advertising
• E-reader Apps/Phones
• Wireless VoIP Apps
• M2M Apps
• Telematics
MARAVEDIS is a leading analyst firm focusing on disruptive technologies
including smart networks using WiMAX, IEEE, and 3GPP/LTE.
Press Contact:
Emma Hancox, Marketing Director, Maravedis Inc.
emma@maravedis-bwa.com |
