News / Media
Mobile-video forecasts in 2006 depended on devices, content and network capacity
In August 2006, Infonetics forecast a rapid rise in mobile-video revenue and compatible handsets, while acknowledging the practical barriers that still limited the market.
The forecast had prerequisites
The analyst identified power-efficient and usable handsets, suitable content, attractive services and more network capacity as necessary conditions. HSDPA upgrades were presented as one way operators were increasing bandwidth. Sports clips from the 2006 World Cup were cited as an early sign of potential demand.
Forecasts are not outcomes
The report projected much larger worldwide revenue and device numbers by 2009. Those figures were forward-looking estimates made in 2006, not facts that this article treats as fulfilled. Its lasting value is the framework: mobile media adoption is shaped by the combined readiness of devices, networks, rights and customer experience.