Abstract

Data from Wireless World Forum's "USA Mobile Market 2006" statistical handbook reveals US Operator revenues will grow by another $20 bn in 2007. Three main trends drive revenue growth:

• A 44% rise in the number of senior (50- 60yr) mobile owners by 2007 to 23.29 million
• A 28.2% rise in the number of teenage (10-15yr) mobile owners by 2007 to 13.36 million
• A 68% increase in data revenues to $17.5 bn by 2007 stimulated by rising SMS usage

Overall growth in subscriber numbers will begin to slow, dropping to 4.1% in 2007 as the 20-40 age range nears a 100% penetration rate.

Data services are a key component of the ARPU growth story, helping ARPU increase. SMS continues to grow in popularity and will account for 9.6% ($16 bn) of all revenues by 2007.

2006 will be a year of profit optimization though data services amongst existing owners combined with the leveraging of MVNO's, family, lifestyle and discount plans to subscribe teenagers and seniors.