OTT IP-based messaging: Outlook for mobile operators and OTT providers

摘要

Mobile operators are finding that their revenues from traditional voice and SMS are under pressure from over-the-top (OTT) providers of voice and messaging services. Operators are also concerned about the potential erosion of their subscriber bases by OTT providers, not only among smartphone users but also their wider customer base. Data from KPN Mobile and SK Telecom reveals the extent of the challenge that operators face from OTT providers, in terms of declining SMS traffic and revenues. Some operators are restructuring their tariffs in order to ward off the threat of OTT IP-based messaging providers, introducing integrated price plans that include voice minutes, SMS and data, and that encourage their subscribers to stay "in-bundle".