NEW YORK-While consumers would like to view video on cell phones for free, only a small percentage want to pay for such services. This is one of the findings of the JupiterResearch report, “Video on Cell Phones: It’s Real in 2005, but a Paying Consumer Audience Isn’t”.
Forty-four percent of online consumers surveyed were interested in viewing video on their cell phones for free, but only 19 percent said they would be willing to pay anything for those services.
The report also found the lack of network coverage, high handset and service prices, and limited access to real-time content will slow consumer interest in the near future. “Although consumer interest in mobile video is strong, the cell phone will remain a voice-centric device in the near term,” said Julie Ask, research director at JupiterResearch. “Only 4 percent of consumers cited the ability to watch video as a priority feature for them when purchasing their next handset. Carrier subsidies will be required to develop a mass market base of high-end handsets with the most advanced video functionality.”
