Europe
: 3 set out its strategy to build on its lead in the convergence of
communications, entertainment and information.
The company outlined the three areas which form its business:
• Communications – including all forms of personal communications,
voice and video calling, text and picture messaging and, now, customer
blogging
• Entertainment – including television and video clips,
music audio and video, computer games services and media publishing
• Information services – including access to the internet,
My 3, which allows customers to top-up through their handset and,
shortly, a range of products such as Magic Eye which enables users
to dial-in to a remote camera using their phone
Bob Fuller ( inset ), Chief Executive of 3 UK, commented:
“We are at a significant moment in the history of communications
and media – a point of inflection. The previous distinctions
between the media, technology and communications industries have all
but disappeared. An entirely new type of company is emerging that
blurs the boundaries between all three.”
“3 is the first truly mobile media company. Our business is
radically different because we bring together information, communications,
entertainment and in a single, mobile device. No one has done this
before.”
“We are learning all the time about customer behaviour and have
structured our business to deliver what people really want. Our announcement
today demonstrates 3’s continued leadership in the take up of
3G and its commitment to delivering innovative services to its growing
customer base.“
New Services
3 unveiled a number of groundbreaking new initiatives, including the
launch of a customer-created content channel and a new approach to
delivering music tracks. The company also announced a series of music
exclusives on the network starting with Madonna’s new single
and video.
3 is set to unlock single-source advertising as a revenue stream and
is looking for a partner to sell advertising space on its network.
This follows successful advertising trials with brands such as Redbus,
the distributor of Brit-film ‘It’s All Gone Pete Tong’.
The 3G Future
3, with over 3.2million 3G customers after 32 months of operations
- more than the other UK mobile operators combined - said that its
target is to be number one or two in each of the 3G music, TV and
internet markets.
In addition, the company reiterated that it was on track to meet the
key financial target of EBITDA breakeven, including acquisition costs,
by the end of the year.
Bob Fuller concluded the presentation by outlining his vision for
the future of 3G and how customers will determine how the market develops:
“We are seeing the beginning of a revolution where people are
using their 3G handsets not just to communicate but to receive and
transmit all kinds of information and content. We recognise that customers
are driving the evolution of our product. They are demanding more
content and interactivity and 3 is totally focussed on delivering
what they want.”
