French 2.6GHz spectrum auction augurs stronger competition and new services in 2012
The French mobile data market is one of the largest in Europe, being an increasingly important part of the overall market as consumers take up a variety of data services. Most investment from MNOs during the last two years has focussed on upgrading networks with HSPA and LTE technologies, and thus providing sufficient capacity to exploit consumer use of mobile data services. These numerous services have become more popular following the introduction of unlimited data offerings and the cheaper and more widespread availability of capable handsets.
The recent auction of the first blocks of frequencies in the 2.6GHz band for LTE services raised €936 million for the government, with all four MNOs being awarded 20-year concessions. Orange, Free Mobile and Bouygues also agreed to open up their networks to MVNOs. The imminent market entry of Free Mobile has also led to Orange launching a competing low-cost brand, Sosh. The move is indicative of the competition which Free Mobile will provide in coming years, and also points to the strong MVNO market which though representing less than 10% of the total subscriber base nevertheless grew at some 54% in the year to June 2011, far eclipsing the 3% growth managed by MNOs.
The updated France – Mobile Data Market Insights – 3G, 4G and Forecasts report provides key statistics on the French mobile data market in 2011, including the growth of mobile data services such as SMS/MMS and mobile TV, and the status of upgraded network infrastructure. In the report we also provide an analysis on the major players and their strategies in an increasingly competitive market, as well as 3G and mobile TV forecasts to 2015.
Key developments:
Mobile data market revenue showing steady growth into 2011; MNO m-commerce platform Buyster takes shape; SMS use shows 46.8% annual increase to Q2 2011; SFR demonstrates LTE; first stage in 4G licence auction brings in €936 million; regulator’s market data to Q2 2011; operator data for H1 2011.
Companies covered in this report include:
Orange, SFR, Free Mobile, Bouygues Telecom, Canal+.
For more information see the updated reports:
France – Fibre and Wireless Broadband Insights;
France – Broadband Market Insights, Statistics and Forecasts;
France – Digital Economy and Digital TV – Insights, Statistics and Analysis;
France – Mobile Market Insights, Statistics and Forecasts;
France – Mobile Data Market Insights – 3G, 4G and Forecasts.
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Tagged in: France, Mobile Broadband
