3G to Propel Smartphones' Share in Czech Republic, Pyramid Finds

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2010, smartphones' share of new handsets sold was 16 percent, but this proportion will grow to 51 percent by 2015 as operators in the Czech Republic continue to widen their devices portfolio and offer attractive device subsidies, according to a new report from Pyramid Research (www.pyr.com).

Czech Republic: Mobile Data and Mobile Broadband Pull Market Out of Nosedive offers a precise profile of the country's telecommunications, media and technology sectors based on proprietary data from Pyramid's research in the market. It provides detailed competitive analysis of both the fixed and mobile sectors, tracks the market shares of technologies and services and monitors the introduction and spread of new technologies.

Download an excerpt or purchase the report here: http://www.pyramidresearch.com/store/CIRCZECHREPUBLIC.htm?sc=PRN060211_CIRCZH

Despite a declining year in the telecom market in 2010, Pyramid expects telecom service revenue to grow at a CAGR of 1.4 percent. "The data segments of both the mobile and fixed markets will show the strongest growth in the forecast period, increasing its share of the revenue pie," says Sylwia Boguszewska, Analyst at Pyramid. "Pyramid expects mobile data, in particular mobile broadband, to offer an eye-catching revenue potential and generate a cumulative revenue of Kc145.8 billion ($7.4 billion) and Kc47.4 billion ($2.4 billion), respectively, over the forecast period," she adds.  This growth will be driven by operator initiatives to provide hardware and software to clients at a minimal cost.

Pyramid expects 3G subscriptions to almost double in the forecast period, driven by operator investment in extending 3G coverage for the Czech population.  Currently, Vodafone covers 48 percent, T-Mobile covers 45 percent, and Telefonica covers 43 percent of the population. "The operators also decided to join forces and signed network-sharing agreements" says Boguszewska. "In February 2011, T-Mobile and Telefonica O2 signed a 3G network-sharing agreement for the provision of high-speed mobile Internet to areas without broadband coverage," she adds.  "Mobile operators should monetize their investments in their network upgrades to take advantage of the boost in smartphone adoption and deliver relevant services and applications to encourage data usage," indicates Boguszewska.

Czech Republic: Mobile Data and Mobile Broadband Pull Market Out of Nosedive is part of Pyramid Research's Europe Country Intelligence Report Series and is priced at $990. Download the excerpt or purchase the report here: http://www.pyramidresearch.com/store/CIRCZECHREPUBLIC.htm?sc=PRN060211_CIRCZH.

CONTACT:  Jennifer Baker, +1-617-871-1910, jbaker@pyr.com

SOURCE Pyramid Research