Dutch Tablet Penetration Equals That of PCs

As many Dutch consumers have tablets as personal computers—61 percent of the population in December, according to a report on digital media trends. In December 2013, 65 percent had a PC while only 53 percent had a tablet. The report also found that 77 percent of people have laptops and 76 percent own smartphones.

We have written rather extensively on tablet adoption in a variety of markets worldwide. In some less-developed markets in Asia, voice-enabled tablets are surging ahead, driven by the desire of budget-minded consumers to have only one device for all purposes. In a developed market such as the Netherlands, that type of concern is far less likely to be a factor. Nonetheless the fact that tablets have pulled right along PCs in terms of market share illustrates the point that increasing mobility is the major trend when it comes to data use. The change in the Dutch market has been quite rapid over the past year. As mobile devices gain in functionality and users grow more mobile, tablets appear poised to supplant stationary PCs and even laptops, in the Netherlands and elsewhere.

The above item appeared in a recent issue of The Tarifica Alert, a weekly resource that analyzes noteworthy developments in the telecoms industry from around the world. To access all of the latest articles and issues or to speak with the research team: http://www.tarifica.com/contactus.aspx

Etisalat Launches Data Plans for Tablets

Etisalat, the larger of the two mobile operators in the United Arab Emirates, has launched data bundles designed specifically for tablets. The MNO’s consumer postpaid offers, which can be purchased with 12-month or 24-month contracts, start at a monthly cost of AED 150.00 (US $40.84) and include 1 GB of data and a free tablet such as the Samsung Tab S. Subscribers can upgrade their plans to 5 GB or 10 GB of data per month at an additional cost of AED 100.00 (US $27.22) or AED 200 (US $54.45), respectively. Prepaid customers who purchase a data bundle with a free tablet on an upfront payment basis receive 1 GB of data at no cost for the first month and pay AED 99.00 (US $26.95) per month thereafter.

In the UAE there are many barometers that indicate that a good deal of the population is tech savvy. The country has the world’s highest mobile penetration rate, and according to a recent study, it has a 94 percent smartphone penetration, with the shift from feature phones to smartphones continuing. The UAE also ranks 13th in the world in terms of the number of people who go online. Furthermore, a recent trend indicates a growing use of tablets in lieu of computers and laptops. Survey results for the first time show that in Q2 2014 tablet shipments surpassed those of computers by more than 6,700 units (see graph). This consumer behavior, plus the growth in high-end devices, is increasing the demand for data. On the other hand, it could be the case that data-hungry users are driving the sales of these devices.

It is a good move for Etisalat to offer tablet data bundles to go with the devices the market is choosing, and we believe these new offers will provide the operator with a new revenue stream. In addition to satisfying the adult population, it has created these bundles to meet the needs of the country’s youth, who are turning to tablets for educational and entertainment purposes. This is another good strategic move by Etisalat, since Du, the UAE’s other mobile operator, has already launched tablet data bundles for its business subscribers, and it appears that each operator dominates different sectors of the market.

The above item appeared in a recent issue of The Tarifica Alert, a weekly resource that analyzes noteworthy developments in the telecoms industry from around the world. To access all of the latest articles and issues:  http://www.tarifica.com/TarificaAlert.aspx

 

U.K. Digital Banking Transactions Worth £1 Billion Per Day

Britons are conducting mobile and internet banking transactions worth almost £1 billion (US $1.7 billion) a day, according to a new report from the British Bankers’ Association. Digital banking is now used for transactions worth £6.4 billion (US $11 billion) a week, up from £5.8 billion (US $9.9 billion) in 2013. Banking apps for mobiles and tablets have now been downloaded more than 14.7 million times, a rise of 2.3 million since January 2014. Spending on contactless cards is expected to rise to £6.1 million (US $10.4 million) a week in 2014, up from £3.2 million (US $5.5 million) in 2013. An estimated 77 percent of U.K. consumers use online or mobile banking at least once a month.

While the developing world has been the leader in using mobile technology for the handling of money, the developed world is enthusiastically following suit. In sophisticated, affluent markets like the U.K., smartphones and other devices are increasingly being used not only for the managing of bank accounts but for direct payments. These statistics speak eloquently to the point that even in countries whose populations are hardly “underbanked,” mobile services and money are now intimately intertwined. 

The above item appeared in a recent issue of Tarifica's "The Story of The Week", a weekly report that analyzes noteworthy developments in the telecoms industry from around the world. For past issues or to learn more about The Story of The Week :  http://www.tarifica.com/storyoftheweek.aspx

Samsung Partners with Marvel Entertainment

South Korean device manufacturer Samsung Electronics has recently partnered with Marvel Entertainment, which publishes comics and produces movies, among other enterprises. The partnership will begin with a three-month offer of free unlimited access to over 15,000 Marvel Comics through the Marvel Unlimited app on the Galaxy Tab S. In addition, all Samsung users will have exclusive access to sneak peeks of upcoming Marvel films debuting next year, including “Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron.” There will also be Samsung product placement in Marvel entertainment content.

Apple has consistently surpassed Samsung in the tablet market and continues to hold the largest market share at 32.5 percent, compared to Samsung’s 22.3 percent in Q1 2014 (see graph). Samsung’s market share has increased significantly over the past year, but Apple still holds the lead. The partnership with Marvel Entertainment holds out the possibility of driving more business to Samsung’s tablets.

Marvel has a huge worldwide fan base, and Samsung product placement within its films could have a positive effect on device sales. However, the promotional offer of three months of free unlimited access to Marvel Comics on the Marvel Unlimited app may not be as useful a strategy as the company expects, since the application only allows access to most newly released comics six months after they go on sale in stores. Also, the app allows users to access six comics offline, the rest requiring internet access, which makes it inconvenient to use in areas without an internet connection.

The above item appeared in a recent issue of The Tarifica Alert, a weekly resource that analyzes noteworthy developments in the telecoms industry from around the world. To access all of the latest articles and issues:  http://www.tarifica.com/TarificaAlert.aspx