NEW YORK-Deloitte Research expects wireless subscriber numbers to continue to rise during 2004, bolstered by the steady use of traditional voice applications.
Deloitte predicts mobile-subscriber penetration rates will continue to rise in 2004, with voice applications continuing to dominate mobile revenues and profits. The research firm also expects color and polyphony sound to drive revenues.
Meanwhile, the group expects mobile data growth to slow due to stagnant consumer text-messaging growth. Advances in third-generation technologies will continue, but 3G will not yet be adopted by the masses during the year. In addition, the mobile Internet will remain an aspiration, not yet producing major revenues, and Wi-Fi hot spots “will remain more froth than substance,” Deloitte said.
The group also expects enterprise adoption to spread but remain niche and wireless local area networks to dominate non-office enterprise environments and homes.
