Data typically forms 6-10 percent of US mobile operators� total revenues. Total messaging traffic is up 59 percent over the last 12 months -- The value of the US mobile data market increased by around 80 percent during the year to March 2005, according to Informa Telecoms & Media�s World Cellular Data Metrics, as interoperability agreements finally helped SMS make a significant impact on the market, which has traditionally lagged behind Europe and Asia. Total revenues from non-voice services for the four largest US mobile operators totaled more than $1.2 billion in Q1 2005, compared to $689 million in the same period of 2004. GSM operator T-Mobile was particularly noteworthy; its subscribers sent a total of 3.6 billion messages during Q1 2005, equivalent to around 67 per subscription per month, more than double the volume 12 Months ago. The operator�s recent launch of bundled SMS packages, including one offering unlimited messages for $15 per month, is sure to drive traffic still higher. As well as interoperability, continued subscriber education and growth in popularity of interactive TV programmes have boosted SMS traffic levels in the USA.
There is a pivotal shift within the global smartphone market. Recent data from IDC highlights a more cautious outlook for 2025, with projected worldwide smartphone shipments seeing a significantly reduced growth rate. This revised forecast underscores the intricate interplay of global economic factors and geopolitical dynamics on pervasive personal communication devices. IDC's latest update projects a mere 0.6 percent growth in worldwide smartphone shipments for 2025, a stark reduction from the earlier 2.3 percent expectation. Global Smartphone Market Development This recalibration is largely attributed to prevailing economic uncertainties, including inflationary pressures and rising unemployment, alongside the persistent specter of tariff volatility. Despite these global tensions, it's interesting to note that the United States and China are still identified as the primary drivers of this modest growth. China, a critical market, is forecast to achieve a 3 percent year-over-yea...