60% of Germans to Use 3G Wireless Services by 2012

Telecom News Editorials Reports Glossary

12:35 am on November 10, 2008 | Category: Wireless Technology, Telecom Services, Wireless, Cellular

Germany’s 3G wireless penetration rate will reach 60% in 2012, by which time mobile data services will generate annual revenues of €5.7 billion in the country, according to a recent report from Goldmedia.

The German mobile population is still growing, according to the report, but total revenues have been dropping off in recent quarters, as the price of mobile voice services continues to decline. Average revenue per user currently stands at €16.80, down more than 30% since 2002.

Although wireless voice services remain a staple, data offerings are beginning to pick up steam, and should generate a growing percentage of wireless revenues in the coming years. At the end of this year, data services (including SMS and MMS messaging) will already account for 20% of Western European wireless sales.

“Mobile video, mobile games, mobile music and mobile advertising alone will reach a market volume of around €740 million by 2012 in Germany,” commented Goldmedia managing director, Klaus Goldhammer. “Mobile entertainment will account for about 13 per cent of total revenue generated by data services,” and mobile business services will also play an important role in market growth.