IMC organized Conference Identifies Positive Impact of 3G & BWA on Mobile VAS

With the telecommunication in India having paved path for the entry of 3G in the Indian spectrum, experts from telecommunications industry from across the country gathered at a conference organized by Indian Merchants’ Chamber to discuss the “Impact of 3G & BWA on Mobile VAS”.� The conference highlighted key topics of importance for the Mobile value added services in India and how 3G will open the door to innovative value added services which will bring everything to just one convergent device.

The conference addressed the topic on the evolution, challenges, opportunities, and trends in Mobile Value Added Services (MVAS). Discussion revolved around 3G applications, the role of Handset Manufacturers to complete the Ecosystem of being ready for 3G, value proposition for the operator and the expectations of the content developers from 3G. The spotlight was on the mobile TV services as well as the impact of 3G on mobile gaming and streamlining of innovative ideas to create casual gamers.

“Third generation mobile subscriber base in India is expected to reach 90 million by 2013. With the onset of 3G technology, there will be high data transfer rates over longer distances, efficient bandwidth use, map and positioning services and multiplayer gaming. Mobile services include both voice and VAS. The mobile services market which is estimated to be close to Rs 95,000 crore by 2010 and over Rs 1,30,000 crore by the end of 2015, is witnessing decline in average revenue per user, it is VAS that will provide impetus to the market. While 3G will change the face of telecommunications as entertainment, infotainment and voice communications will be available in just one convergent device, it will also pose challenge to content providers. The focus should be on introducing content which is not only innovative but also affordable in order to encourage mass adaptability”, said Mr. Nitish Mittersain, Chairman, IMC and CEO, Nazara Technologies.

Mr. Gul Kripalani, President, IMC said, “3G is now set to revolutionize mobile communications by introducing high speed connectivity and infotainment to Indians. Besides, 3G will further improve the level of tele-density and broadband penetration which will in turn have a direct effect on the overall economic growth of the county. However, the key drivers for MVAS in India in wake of 3G will be innovative content, improved customer services, and increased affordability of handsets as well as VAS. In times to come, major chunk of subscribers will come mainly from rural areas and for 3G as a technology to flourish in India it would be imperative to carve a strong hold on the rural sections of the country.”

3G is bringing a technology revolution in the country which will change the future of telecommunications in India. According to various estimates, the number of mobile handsets users will reach nearly 800 million in next 4 years, and 3G will change the way we communicate. With the mobile value added services (VAS) market pegged at around $45 billion, the latest trends which are currently doing the rounds are 3G spectrum which is going to create a paradigm shift in the VAS market in India. With the onset of 3G technology, there will be high data transfer rates over longer distances, efficient bandwidth use, map and positioning services and multiplayer gaming.