Users of data services on GSM/EDGE mobile networks are generating increased monthly revenues (ARPU) for operators. New Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) research confirms that ARPU for EDGE-enabled device users is typically 20% higher than for GPRS users, and in some cases reaching 33% and up to 100% higher. The pattern of higher ARPU for EDGE users is consistently higher over a period of several months. These are some of the key conclusions from GSA’s Survey of Commercial GSM/EDGE Operators, which was completed in October 2005. The survey, which collected information from EDGE operators worldwide with at least 6 months commercial experience, also showed how services requiring higher data rates are benefiting from EDGE capabilities, such as video streaming – including mobile TV, video and audio clip downloads, etc. Higher speed using EDGE is preferred by laptop users for mobile office applications, with access to corporate intranet systems being a key point. EDGE speed, flat rate pricing and packaging are a winning combination and strategy. EDGE is attracting more customers to become mobile data users. Operators agree that EDGE helps to prepare the market for 3G where WCDMA is not yet available, and improves the user experience when deployed as a complement to WCDMA. Many operators also reported continuously growing data usage, with EDGE network’s capabilities heavily contributing to this. EDGE is boosting high-speed data usage especially for mobile broadband services, and mobile TV over video streaming. Some operators reported 17- 20% off total data traffic. It was also seen how EDGE is impacting on network traffic, with transmission expansion already foreseen by some operators. GSM/EDGE is mature and global. According to recently-released GSA analysis, more than half (169) of 290 commercial GPRS operators globally have committed to EDGE. Commercial services enabled by EDGE have been launched on 116 networks in 70 countries. EDGE is operational, under deployment, or planned, in 91 countries. At least 55 operators offer or plan delivery of 3G services on combined EDGE/WCDMA networks ensuring lower capital cost, optimum flexibility and efficiencies and the best user experience; 23 networks offer commercial services today on combined EDGE-WCDMA networks.
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