What next? Apple a mobile virtual network operator!

By Stuart Corner
Wednesday, 19 April 2006 06:04

IT Industry - Strategy

Also see:
Apple iPhone launch 'imminent' says US research firm
Don't Miss:
It's a wireless world, but not for Apple

Visiongain, the US market research company that is forecasting an imminent launch of Apple's own cellphone, has gone even further arguing that Apple could become also a mobile virtual network operator.

According to Visiongain, "Apple acknowledges the threat mobile handsets pose to portable MP3 players in the long term. As such, it has begun to make a mobile play – initially, via the Motorola partnership. However...Apple could embrace mobile more fully and pose a greater threat to the cellphone industry itself – as an MVNO challenging carriers and as a cellphone brand challenging handset makers."

Visiongain's arguments are detailed in a new report: "Apple in Wireless: Strategic options in a converged marketplace" in which it contends that the success of the iPod redefined the MP3 player and digital content markets, as well as revitalising the Apple brand and that a revitalised Apple could further disrupt the computing and convergence landscape.

"Apple's history shows a continuous leap in technological advancements and a new or upgraded offering on average every six months. Visiongain believes that the years 2006 and 2007 will see product offerings accelerate as Apple focuses on convergence technologies...As convergence enters full swing, media companies, wireless carriers, vendors and others are searching for ways to reach new consumers and generate extra revenues – mobile phones and iPod devices support video and music download capabilities, and content owners are providing exclusive music and TV for both device platforms."

Visiongain suggests that mobile operators should buy its report to "find out how to maximise the value of hosting an Apple-branded MVNO on your network...[and] discover what kind of competition Apple would offer were it to become an MVNO.

The report also claims to offer advice to handset vendors, content providers and media companies on how the can defend their position against an assault on their markets by Apple and/or co-operate with the company.

Also see:
Apple iPhone launch 'imminent' says US research firm
Don't Miss:
It's a wireless world, but not for Apple