GoingToMeet

Mobile operator messaging revenues are under threat. Operators are rolling out flat rate data packages to encourage mobile internet usage and uptake, which is in turn enabling the availibility of free, ad-funded online messaging on the mobile handset. The potential for this online model to canibalise operator messaging revenues is clear. However, operators have a far closer relationship with their users compared with their online counterparts, boasting the most important user community bar none – the mobile contacts list.



Operators also own the networks over which messages are transported which can be exploited to enable a far richer communication experience for their users. By enriching the messaging experience through implementation of features such as presence, context, personalisation and links with social networking, operators can drive messaging revenues and usage by delivering an enhanced user experience.



But there are still many pitfalls ahead. Interoperability continues to plague the MMS market, preventing huge growth driven by social networking and user generated content for which MMS is surely the most suitable vehicle; mobile email remains a preserve of the blackberry wielding business market and the slow growth of personal instant messaging has left it vulnerable to attack from free to use online offerings.