Rural Markets

While the four largest U.S. mobile operators dominate the metropolitan markets, a number of smaller operators provide vital wireless and mobile services in smaller cities and rural communities. These operators face similar technical challenges to their larger competitors but have the added complexity of smaller scale. Simply, there is a smaller base over which to leverage any technology investment. As a result, the smaller operators face unique competitive market challenges.

iGR’s new RURAL MARKETS advisory service provides research on the key issues facing smaller operators in the U.S.:

Deployment of LTE, including the costs involved, bandwidth required and the impact of rural roaming strategies

National Broadband Plan and interoperability initiatives

Competition, innovation and pricing

Mobile device (smartphones and tablets) adoption in the smaller and rural markets and the resulting impact on network bandwidth demand, handset subsidy costs, subscriber customer care costs and increased sales channel complexity

Handset frequency bands and the ability to secure a reliable supply of cost-effective handsets

Impacts from major operator roaming initiatives

The following market research reports are available to all RURAL MARKETS subscription holders and are also available for individual purchase.

Messaging: US RURAL Consumer Perspectives

4Q 2011 - RESEARCH REPORT | VIEW THE TABLE OF CONTENTS | CONTACT iGR




If the amount of voice usage is attenuated by a rise in mobile messaging, how will users evaluate the quality of the cellular service they receive? What does the growth of messaging use mean for voice services and, subsequently, operators and ODMs? Rural America is unique compared to the cities and suburbs - not just in terms of topography, but also in terms of the use of mobile technologies. How do mobile messaging trends compare?

The following themes will be addressed in upcoming RURAL MARKETS research reports:

Demand for Apple iPhone in Rural Markets

Demand for Tablets in Rural Markets

Competition, innovation and pricing

Rural Smartphone Sales & Forecast, 2011 – 2016

Rural Tablet Sales & Forecast, 2011 – 2016

Rural Handset Frequency Band Issues

Rural Bandwidth Demand Forecast, 2011 – 2016

Rural Backhaul Demand

Rural Mobile Connections Forecast, 2011 – 2016

Rural Mobile Worker Forecast, 2011 – 2016

Rural Operator Business Drivers and Influencers

To learn more about the Rural Markets Market Research and Advisory Service, please contact iGR directly.

Click Here To Download Our Free White Paper:

Smartphones, Tablets and Churn: A Comparison of Rural and Urban Mobile Subscribers