View all newsletters
Receive our newsletter - data, insights and analysis delivered to you
  1. Technology
  2. Networks
November 21, 2012

Roaming users to drive mobile data revenue to $35bn by 2017: report

The revenue will be mainly driven by rise in number of active data roamers using data services while abroad

By CBR Staff Writer

Worldwide mobile data roaming revenues is expected to reach $35bn between by 2017, growing at 21% per year, according to a report by Juniper Research.

According to the report, ‘Mobile Roaming: Challenges, Opportunities & Market Forecasts 2012-2017’, the revenue will be mainly driven by rise in number of active data roamers using data services while abroad.

The report revealed that the total mobile roaming revenues to reach more than $80bn by 2017, rising from over $46bn this year.

During the forecast period, Western Europe will contribute major chuck of the global mobile data roaming revenue.

Data roaming could be a key growth driver for the mobile operator with the data usage rising due to proliferation of smartphones.

But the operators could only take advantage of the growth with cost effective package with subscriber control over usage.

The report revealed that the majority of mobile users are using voice services when abroad, but this gives mobile operators minimal opportunity to add value or enhance services.

Content from our partners
How businesses can safeguard themselves on the cyber frontline
How hackers’ tactics are evolving in an increasingly complex landscape
Green for go: Transforming trade in the UK

Data roaming, on the other hand, offers operators an opportunity to convert ‘non data’ roamers to turn active users by introducing data bundles and roaming plans.

With growth of data roaming revenues and instant messaging apps, SMS roaming adoption and revenue growth is expected to remain modest, relative to data and voice revenues, the report found.

Report author Nitin Bhas said: "As data roaming costs are further reduced and smartphone owners find so-called OTT (Over-the-Top) services – such as eBuddy and Whatsapp – a cheaper alternative, the average spend per SMS roaming will decline over the forecast period,"

Websites in our network
Select and enter your corporate email address Tech Monitor's research, insight and analysis examines the frontiers of digital transformation to help tech leaders navigate the future. Our Changelog newsletter delivers our best work to your inbox every week.
  • CIO
  • CTO
  • CISO
  • CSO
  • CFO
  • CDO
  • CEO
  • Architect Founder
  • MD
  • Director
  • Manager
  • Other
Visit our privacy policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
THANK YOU