Clark commented: “The continued convergence of phone and computer, and the rise of netbooks, have driven an increase in multi-play offerings from networks and resellers, as well as laptops bundled with mobile broadband. Google’s Chrome and Android operating systems could drive a further increase in this kind of offer over the next year or so.
“Over the next year or so, I think we’ll see competition and choice increase, as the number of devices carrying Android increases and Orange and Vodafone launch the iPhone,” continued Clark.
He added: “Factors outside of the mobile market could hold a bigger influence if Google Wave [an online tool for real time communication and collaboration] takes off for example, as this could be a big boost for Android. Cloud computing may also play a bigger part in the way people use their phones.”
Interest in content and services is having a good effect on sales of accessories, noted Clark, as consumers look to make their mobile devices their main communications point.
“Without a doubt, the trend towards content and services has continued with the main carriers, and we are noticing that accessories are becoming a ‘nice to have’ once more for most operators. This has pushed prices down even more and forced manufacturers to discount inventory in the channel,” he said.