Service providers today are in a constant state of flux, having to continually adapt and innovate to cater to the demands of the digital consumer, writes Matt Hooper, the senior Vice President of IMImobile PLC (LON:IMO)
Although traditional network-based services such as SMS and voice are still important, internet-based technologies and the rise of OTT (over-the-top) services have raised the bar for consumer communication and interaction channels, thanks to the explosive growth in the adoption of smartphones in the UK – two-thirds of the British population are projected to own one by 2018.
In turn, companies have been forced to rethink and implement a digital strategy or risk being left behind. This includes mobile network operators (MNOs) who are under pressure to respond to rapidly changing market dynamics, including the move to multi-play, the imminent rollout of 5G networks, and the increasing use of artificial intelligence in the customer journey.
However, even with average data usage expected to grow five-fold by 2020, only 60% of UK mobile operators describe their digital transformation programmes as in progress, in the early stages or not started.
Gresham House Strategic PLC (LON:GHS) has a total interest of 13.5% in IMImobile PLC, correct as of 30 June 2017 month end NAV announcement, released 03 July 2017.
