Mobile Data Roamers to Generate $42bn by 2018

A new report by Juniper Research states revenues generated from mobile data roaming are expected to reach $42 billion by 2018. The company forecasts 47% of global mobile roaming revenue generated, compared to an estimated 36% in 2013. Revenues are generated by increased data usage, 4G migration and faster broadband networks.

AT&T’s LTE technology is capable of delivering speeds faster than many other mobile Internet technologies. The company recently announced it will launch its 4G LTE service in Durango, Colo.; Elmira, N.Y.; Fond du Lac, Appleton and Oshkosh, Wis.; Kauai, Hawaii; Poplar Bluff and Sikeston, Mo.; Pottsville, Pa.; Terre Haute, Ind.; Burley and Twin Falls, Idaho. The company currently has the fastest 4G LTE network in the U.S and now the most reliable 4G LTE.

AT&T has the highest success rate for delivering mobile content across nationwide 4G LTE networks. The company also has several Android LTE-compatible devices, including smartphones and tablets. LTE technology is known for delivering lower latency. Processing time and download time for files is relevant to low latency measures.

AT&T

AT&T is the second largest U.S. wireless carrier in the United States. AT&T provides telephone, Internet, and computer telephone services to over 95 million customers in 22 states in the U.S. AT&T operates across four segments: Wireless, Wireline, Advertising Solutions, and Other. In fiscal year 2010, AT&T recorded revenues of $124.3 billion and net income of $19.8 billion. AT&T continues to invest heavily to improve high-speed internet and video offerings as consumer demand for these services continues to rise. AT&T's increased investments is evident in its $4.4 billion initiative to build a fiber-optic network to offer IP-based video, broadband Internet, and VoIP services over a single line.

LTE deployments are said to be increasing. LTE is set to develop in all global markets causing a significant explosion of roaming data usage. There are roaming agreements available for 4G LTE but they are still in initial stages. Data roaming charges can cause high costs for users. If the Android device or contract is not the right one, there are ways to get out of the contract without paying. Cancellation within 30 days is possible from many providers. Service providers may pay for roaming. Using more than half of minutes can save and may qualify the user to be terminated.

Thee report also identified roaming charges in the EU which may receive  European Parliament approval, roaming revenue levels will be impacted. It is also forecasted that European voice, SMS and data revenues would decline by just over 20% in 2016. Usage and number of active roamers will continue to rise during this same period.

The ‘The Rise of the Roaming Empire II’ whitepaper is available to download from Juniper Research’s website.