US : 3G mobile TV services may complement or compete with mobile TV broadcasting, depending on the intentions of the mobile operator, reports In-Stat.

While mobile operators can rely on their own network and offer more channels via 3G mobile TV streaming services, the video quality may not be as consistent as with other forms of mobile TV technology, the high-tech market research firm says.

“The 3G mobile TV service is only available to those with 3G handsets and plans, so 3G mobile TV services cannot be offered to the entire subscriber base, unlike a mobile TV broadcast service,” says Michelle Abraham ( above ). “So, uptake in 3G mobile TV is dependent on an increase in the number of 3G subscribers. Today 3G penetration is far less than 50% for most operators, with 3G mobile TV penetration of 3G subscribers below 10% for many mobile operators. Steady growth is expected, however, in both 3G penetration and 3G mobile TV subscriptions.”

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:

Worldwide 3G mobile TV subscribers are forecast to reach 42 million in 2012.

3G mobile TV subscribers grew to 6 million worldwide in 2007.

In 2012, In-Stat expects worldwide 3G mobile TV revenues to reach $5 billion.

The research,“3G Mobile TV Worldwide”(#IN0804054MBS),covers the worldwide market for 3G mobile TV. It looks at the availability of 3G mobile TV in all regions of the world and what is available with those services. Five-year forecasts for 3G mobile TV subscribers, annual ARPU, and subscription revenues are provided.

For more information on this research or to purchase it online, please visit: http://www.instat.com/catalog/mmcatalogue.asp?id=288 or contact a sales representative: http://www.instat.com/sales.asp.

The price is$2,995 (US).