Possibly stating the obvious again here - though there has been much debate recently over exactly where the mobile network's music ambitions are heading. Either way, a new report from US analysts Frost & Sullivan reckons the mobile music market is going to be huge. They estimate that the European ringtone market alone will be worth 3 billion euros by 2011, while the wider mobile music market will be worth in excess of 7.85 billion euros.
The analysts identify several factors likely to transform the mobile music sector. Developments in handset technology and European 3G networks in particular, coupled with falling 'data-transfer' costs on most networks and the growing support of the music industry, who will like the fact that mobile music platforms offer more controls for content owners than the distribution of music in the wider internet space.
Also key to the growth is the development of mobile music products that appeal to older consumers. The ring tone market still relies on the youth market for a significant portion of its revenues, but Frost & Sullivan reckon that will change as the mobile music sector grows in the next few years.
Commenting on the report, Frost & Sullivan's ICT Markets Industry Manager Pranab Mookken told reporters: "Improved cellular networks that allow the delivery of over the air full-track music, as well as better quality master ringtones / real tones, are creating a paradigm shift in the way customers experience music. The active involvement of key participants in the music industry is a direct result of the recognition of mobile networks as secure and interactive delivery channels for multiple music applications."
However, the report adds that the growth in this sector won't happen overnight, concluding: "While mobile operators are confident of driving sales efficiently and more effectively than retails giants such as Tesco and Apple, this will take some convincing and is likely to happen over a period of time".