Some 240m mobile smartphone users are expected to be streaming TV services by 2014, thanks to the growth in on-demand online services, Juniper Research reports.
According to the mobile TV white paper, rising smartphone penetration and growth in the use of internet TV services – both on smart TVs and laptops – are expected to drive an increase in streaming to mobile devices.
While on-demand services allow users to make their own viewing schedules, when coupled with mobile streaming these users can watch their favourite shows any time and anywhere. The report from Juniper Research estimates there will be 240m people streaming mobile TV on smartphones by 2014.
On-demand content while on the move
“The smartphone really allows the consumer to transport the TV experience out of the home, allowing them to view live and on-demand content while on the move,” says Charlotte Miller, author of the report. “The ubiquity of free Wi-Fi also allows users of these services to access content without the threat of bill shock – driving take-up of streamed mobile TV services across all Wi-Fi-enabled mobile devices.”
Mobile TV also allows consumers to keep up with events as they happen – particularly important for sports fans who want to tune into live games. Access to this kind of time-critical content is another driver for growth on mobile TV streaming, and services of this nature are constantly evolving.
The report also expects subscriptions will make up the vast majority of mobile TV revenues and, by 2016, nearly 10pc of mobile TV revenues will be generated on tablet devices.
