An interesting report has been released today indicating that US mobile operators and equipment vendors support the drive toward real-time video, projected to become more mainstream in the US market over the coming years. The report is based on a poll from consulting firm Ovum of top US mobile operators, smaller/regional wireless carriers and mobile application developers.
“Real-time video is coming to the forefront for mobile operators, as many respondents stated significant video activity is in the pipeline for the next two years,” says Ovum’s Mark Radoff. “Both the small and large operators are keen to launch these services and determine ways to productize real-time video, to differentiate their services and potentially increase ARPU.”
Over half of participating wireless operators intend to launch, or increase access to, real-time video services over the next 2 years. To compete with larger players, smaller operators are offering more Internet access and are pursuing flexible IP communication applications from 3rd parties. Nearly half of the operators surveyed are enthusiastic about delivering “open platforms” for 3rd party software developers.
So far according to the report, only AT&T Wireless has launched a video conferencing service, but most hint that one is on the way.
“Most US mobile operators are running what is classified as a 3G network or 3.5G or equivalent network, able to ensure high quality VOIP and video-based services,” says Emerick Woods, CEO of Global IP Solutions, who released the report. “Now, with 4G and sophisticated WiMax networks beginning to emerge, there are fewer barriers to offering quality, real-time video and VoIP on mobile phones and networks.”
A lot of operators are interested in open platforms, where software vendors can launch their own real-time video products. But many are also unsure of such a model. Some of them suggested interest in a model like that of Google’s Android.
We’ve seen video reach new and interesting places in recent memory, and mobile real-time video is certainly in that category. The rising popularity of mobile platforms like the iPhone and Android should only fuel the fire of users getting involved with this kind of video. It only makes sense that more mobile operators pave the way.
