Telecommunications executives can anticipate broadband adoption growth, new broadband appliances, rising Voice over IP (VoIP) subscribers, increased offshoring and rising penetration among cellular subscribers in 2004.
Deloitte Research's "Wire-line Predictions 2004 Report" and "Mobile and Wireless Predictions 2004 Report" each highlight 10 trends that uncover new opportunities for revenue through increased deployment of wire-line and wireless technologies.
While overall broadband adoption will continue to grow in popularity within the Asia Pacific, small businesses will be motivated to migrate towards broadband as the demand for faster email and Internet access increases, while pricing falls and connection speeds rise. New broadband appliances such as game consoles, video phones, home security systems, set top boxes, VoIP phones, digital hi-fi and home media systems will also drive robust broadband adoption this year, expanding broadband's functionality beyond PC-oriented technology. The industry's ability to launch compelling broadband appliances will have a direct impact on broadband demand.
As consumers continue to embrace broadband, VoIP subscribers are likely to increase. Contributing to this popularity will be enterprise adoption of VoIP into their core networks. The business market will begin to migrate to VoIP, compelling operators to prepare for the transformation of the telecommunication industry. Offshoring will also gain traction by providing the fixed telecommunications industry with a vehicle to meet the growing demand, moving selected processes offshore to reduce internal costs. Offshoring communications requirements also represent a significant opportunity for the industry, providing voice and data communications to the many firms across the globe looking to relocate processes abroad.
While compelling data applications are still in development, wireless voice applications will remain the primary source of cellular mobile revenue. To stimulate further demand for voice services, operators will need to provide improved quality and offer a broader range of services, especially those that combine voice and data, such as IP voice mail. Cellular mobile subscribers will also continue to rise as new customer targets are identified. New devices that are tailored to meet the demands of currently under-served customers, such as the over 55s, will provide a rich source of revenue, as will the uptake of color handsets that incorporate cameras. Simultaneously, machines that traditionally have not included mobile characteristics will have embedded cellular devices, improving their productivity.
