GSMA Mobile World Congress Survey Identifies Drivers of LTE Adoption

SAP AG today unveiled findings from its third consecutive GSMA Mobile World Congress survey, which is meant to address the top issues facing the mobile ecosystem today, while reflecting the attitudes of mobile operators and other important players in the industry. The primary topic of discussion in this year's survey was new carrier technologies, particularly 4G LTE and RCS (rich communication services).

Indeed, 36 percent of industry leaders believe improved data speed is the primary driver for operators launching new LTE services, while 30 percent believe offering new IP-based services is the main reason. Furthermore, survey results found that new IP-based services will also be a main revenue driver for operators this year, with 58 percent citing RCS, LTE and increased data usage specifically.

Increased data usage was given greater significance by 40 percent of Asia-based respondents, due to the area's recent smartphone boom.

"Leaders across the mobile industry believe that new IP-based services, such as our recently announced SAP Rich Communication Services 365 mobile service, will be key to driving LTE adoption," said Diarmuid Mallon, head of Global Mobile Marketing Programs at SAP, in a statement. "The survey results provide a roadmap for operators looking to expand their customer service portfolio through high speed 4G LTE networks."

One issue identified in the rollout of LTE offerings was compatible devices, cited by 26 percent of respondents. Meanwhile, 20 percent identified lack of support for roaming as a major issue. Fortunately, lack of consumer awareness is no longer an issue with only 19 percent of respondents citing it as such.

Recently, SAP AG introduced new capabilities for the SAP Customer OnDemand solution, which is meant to help businesses gather a greater understanding of their customers with a combination of social, mobile and cloud technologies.

In November, the company's SAP Claims Management application received three XCelent awards from international financial research and consulting firm Celent.