Quarterly Wireless ARPU Down Worldwide

Although global wireless subscribers and revenues continue to grow, mobile operators are seeing less and less revenue per user. TeleGeography's latest GlobalComms update shows wireless average revenue per user (ARPU) is declining worldwide, with only North American and Western European companies near their Q2 2004 levels.  Eastern Europe was the biggest loser, down more than 27%, followed by Asia-Pacific and Africa, down 18% and 12% respectively. Global ARPU was down 13%.

Sample North American and Western European company ARPUs:

T-Mobile USA: $54 (Q2 2005) / $42 (Q2 2004)
U.S. Cellular: $44.50 / $47.80
T-Mobile Netherlands: $44.50 / $44.70
Telenor Mobil: $47.50 / $51.60

Sample ARPUs for the rest of the world:

NTT DoCoMo: $60.40 (Q2 2005) / $68.40 (Q2 2004)
Vodafone Australia: $37.70 / $44.20
Unefon (Mexico): $18.80 / $20.80

Will 3G Save Wireless Revenue?

While ARPU continues to decline across the board for wireless providers, some 3G operations are beginning to report ARPUs much higher than regional averages. For example, Hutchison 3G UK reported 2Q ARPU of $62 (compared to $37.40 average for Western Europe), and its sister Hutchison 3G Australia reported $61.80 (compared to $18.90 for Asia-Pacific). Depending on the take up rate and price stability of 3G, global ARPU may see better days ahead.

This data is drawn from the GlobalComms Database's wireless provider section, which is updated quarterly.  GlobalComms includes:

  • 150+ country profiles, including competitive analysis, regulatory developments, and essential reference data
  • Profiles of over 920 telecom companies worldwide, including financials and subscriber figures for 65 multinational operators
  • Easy-to-use database features, including print and export functions
  • Daily updates through the CommsUpdate newsletter

To learn more about GlobalComms, please visit our website:

http://www.telegeography.com/products/global_comms/

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