
Europe
: New research suggests that 3G mobile services are now beginning
to take off, however instead of supposedly new “killer applications”
or high speed data services driving sales as many pundits predicted,
it is the promise of cheaper voice and text bundles with more advanced
handsets that most people seem to be interested in.
This
is one of the findings from a newly released report that examines
end-user opinion of 3G value. The report analyses consumer opinion
expressed through monitoring online discussion. Produced by WaveMetrix,
the report provides a candid insight into attitudes and opinion driving
consumer sentiment towards to 3G value.
The reports findings
show that the overall value of 3G is positively perceived by consumers,
indicating that cost is not a factor holding back widespread adoption
of 3G services. The report also found that data tariffs were the second
most discussed area (29% of value discussion), following voice tariffs
(30% of value discussion). Despite the large volume of discussion,
consumer sentiment towards data tariffs was more negative than all
other aspects of value (voice, messaging and handsets).
“Considering
that the primary advantage of 3G services is the increased data speed,
the fact that consumers perceive data tariffs to be poor value should
be a concern to all 3G operators” said Anders Schonberg, CEO
of WaveMetrix. “With this research, we have been able to really
understand what customers are saying to each other about the value
of 3G services. It’s a great way to understand what consumers
really think, not what they’re saying in focus groups.”
Monitoring online
discussion is a growing approach to understanding consumer opinion.
Online discussion contains powerful and candid feedback from customers
about what they really think, not what they say in surveys. WaveMetrix’
unique approach combines proprietary WaveRunner 2.0 technology and
industry expert analysts. This combination allows collection and interpretation
of customer opinion in any language and almost any topic. The findings
are summarised into clear, actionable insights allowing WaveMetrix
clients to instantly understand the issues and implications.
The report is
freely available via the WaveMetrix website: www.wavemetrix.com.
About WaveMetrix:
WaveMetrix was
founded in 2003 and is headquartered in the UK; with operations in
the US, Japan, Germany and Italy. Our focus is purely on understanding
online opinion and helping our clients assess its impact. We believe
that businesses have much to learn by following what consumers say
online. We also believe that consumers deserve to be heard.