WAP growth fuelled by 'improved' content

The arrival of WAP (Wireless Action Protocol) enabled-devices will bring richer content to mobile users - internet browsers and simple computing platforms, for example. The report predicts that improved content will stimulate a large increase in demand as the demographic profile of users spreads out.



Datamonitor analysts see WAP as a ‘staging-post' on the route to the 3rd generation of mobile phones. The new generation of mobile devices will implement GPRS (General Packet Radio System), which can handle more data at higher speeds, and support applications like simple browsers. Third generation networks are expected to support HTML, TV, video and games consoles.

Today's phones use technology derived from the Global System for Mobile Communication, or GSM. This system is adequate for voice and simple text transmission, but lacks the capacity for data-rich applications like real-time video and audio.

Datamonitor analyst David Hall commented, “WAP services are set to be swiftly adopted by subscribers in Europe. All the major mobile phone manufacturers and service providers are working together to develop markets for mobile data services based on WAP.”

The report suggests that the growth of the mobile data services market will be driven in part by the role of the mobile as a fashion accessory, and notes that few devices have such short life-spans - between one and two years. This, and a tendency for users to switch readily to the most attractive service providers, will present massive opportunities for players in the wireless mobile market.

The report emphasised that long-term success will depend heavily on the delivery of relevant and personalised content.