Category: Marketing Trends
Forrester predicts that the next wave of cell phone services will include mobile internet in a fixed rate package similar to the was just released in the UK. Attractive to consumers,� the flat-rate service includes calling feature such as connection to the internet and instant messaging. In the UK this combination of services is provided through a partnership of Skype, Yahoo! and Windows Live Messener.
http://www.forrester.com
In the US, Skype is currenting offering free long-distance and local phone service via Voice Over Ip. TeleGeography, a research and consulting firm, reports that though Skpe marketshare is increasing, it is still small when compared to over-all world, long-distance volume. In 2005 Skype provided about 2.9 percent of the international calls, while in 2006 that grew to 4.4 percent. TeleGeography predicts that eventually all calls will be routed over the internet.
Regarding the movement toward television over the internet, YouTube recently announced that its video system will be availble to mobile phones, through an agreement completed with Verizon V CAST. The videos will be viewable on Verizon handsets that are V CAST enabled.
The online advertising market grew by 30% in 2005 to $12.5 billion according the IAB/PricewaterhouseCoopers.
http://youtube.com/t/fact_sheet
