HAMPSHIRE, UK -- 02/26/08 --
The total value of the global mobile music
market is expected to rise to more than $17.5bn by 2012, driven by rental
music services and full-track downloads, according to a new report by
Juniper Research.
According to report author Dr Windsor Holden, "I think it's fair to say
that 2007 marked the tipping point as far as mobile music adoption was
concerned. Far more subscribers began downloading and subscribing to music
content in developed markets, and it must be said that that the publicity
surrounding the iPhone launch undoubtedly contributed to consumer awareness
of mobile music services per se."
However, the Juniper report also argues that current prices for ringtones
are unsustainable and that the market for such services may already have
peaked in a number of developed markets, arguing that competitive pricing
allied to a steady migration to ad-funded and/or self-generated ringtones
will lead to a gradual decline in global ringtone revenues.
"With some operators now offering full-track downloads at a comparable
price to iTunes, there is little justification for a ringtone retail price
point that is in many cases two or even three times this level," said
Holden. "Furthermore, those aggregators whose portfolios are largely
dependent upon the polyphonic ringtone will be unable to survive in the
medium term unless they both rethink their pricing strategies and
substantially diversify their product portfolios."
Other findings from the Juniper report include:
-- The China/Far East region will remain the largest regional marketplace
for mobile music services, accounting for around 43% of sales per annum
over the next five years
-- Ringtones, which accounted for 62% of the mobile music market in 2007,
will account for just 38% by 2012
-- The report argues that more operators should emulate the Vodafone model
and introduce similar subscription-based music rental services
Juniper Research assesses the current and future status of mobile adult
services based on interviews, case studies and analysis from
representatives of some of the leading organisations in the growing mobile
adult services industry.
White papers and further details of the study 'Mobile Music Services:
Ringtones, Ringback Tones and Original Recordings (4th edition)' can be
freely downloaded from http://www.juniperresearch.com. Alternatively
please contact John Levett at john.levett@juniperresearch.com, telephone
+44(0)1256 830002.
Juniper Research provides research and analytical services to the global
hi-tech communications sector, providing consultancy, analyst reports and
industry commentary.
Contact:
John Levett
john.levett@juniperresearch.com
+44(0)1256 830002
