Mobile operator Sonera has announced the results of a broadband mContent trial.
Finnish mobile operator Sonera’s mContent subsidiary Mspace has just announced the findings of a two-month trial into 3G mobile content. The company simulated 3G equipment using ‘2.5G’ high-speed circuit switched data (HSCSD) mobile phones connected to PDAs, to mimic the predicted capacities of a 3G handset.
The results will come as a relief to companies that have invested heavily in providing 3G mobile services. There is evidently demand for such services, with more than 60% of users believing the experience to be worthwhile. Given that HSCSD provides slower access than 3G, and also given that the design of multimedia mContent applications is still in its infancy, this is encouraging.
Also good news is that the trial systems managed to deliver streaming video multimedia content, despite NTT DoCoMo’s statement last month that streaming full length MP3s or longer video clips would be unviable. The Sonera service stuck to short clips on subjects of the user’s choice, which are better suited to on-the-move delivery; the technical success – and the fact that users were ready to pay – will be encouraging for mobile operators.
Interestingly, however, the ‘killer applications’ for mobile devices may not be as expected. Games have been predicted to be key in driving mContent, with last month’s Nokia Game providing a taste of things to come. But according to Sonera, games were not among the most desired services. The most popular categories were news and music.
Many further trials will be necessary to determine whether the Finns’ preferences are representative. But if they are, mobile operators should take heart from these results: it seems that 3G does have real potential. It also looks like attempts to find a ‘killer app’ may be in vain – operators may do better to offer a range of content and let users select what suits their individual preferences.
