Mobile industry defies recession

THE mobile and wireless industry has defied the global economic recession and is one of the most aggressive growth sectors in the world today.

This is according to a recently released report, “Ranking the World’s Best Mobile Operators.”

“Even the current economic slowdown has not stopped its growth in many markets around the globe. Worldwide, 2007 to 2011 is a period of particular strategic importance to the mobile industry, with worldwide mobile penetration climbing from 50 percent in 2007 to a forecast 75 percent by the end of 2011. As the more advanced markets have become saturated, the focus of the industry has now split, with the more advanced markets focused on data services, reducing churn and increasing ARPU (Average revenue per use), while the developing markets continue to pursue organic growth, market share and roll-out networks,” the report said.

“The tough economic climate in 2008 and 2009 has added pressure to the whole mobile industry and the ability to hence isolate how a mobile network operator has become successful in a certain field and then emulate that is a mighty powerful resource.”

Researchers said the report helps mobile network operators identify competitive strengths and weaknesses, spot areas they need to work on.