Juniper Research study predicts carrier billing spend reaches US$73.8 billion globally by 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 8 -- A new Juniper Research study has predicted that end user spend via carrier billing will increase to US$73.8 billion in 2024, from US$54.4 billion in 2021, with growth driven by 5G-based mobile gaming and video subscriptions. (US$1 = RM4.182)

To leverage this growth, the report advises operators to forge new partnerships with content providers to build frameworks enabling the distribution of new content paid for by carrier billing, according to a statement.

The new report, Carrier Billing: Opportunities, Challenges & Market Forecasts 2022-2026, also expects carrier billing spend on content bundling to enable operators to further recoup investments into 5G by charging a premium to facilitate high-quality video and games streaming over 5G networks.

To maximise this opportunity, it urges operators to offer payment services in markets underserved by existing digital payment methods to maximise carrier billing spend.

Operators must expand the geographical reach of carrier billing; leveraging the trust fostered between them and their subscribers, and becoming increasingly valuable partners to content providers.

It identified the Indian Subcontinent as a key target region for carrier billing stakeholders over the next two years, with smartphone penetration in the region expected to reach 50 per cent by 2024.

The research also found carrier billing spend on digital ticket purchases will grow by 250 per cent, from US$141 billion in 2021 to US$275 billion in 2024.

It predicts that the rise of new transportation modes, such as MaaS (Mobility-as-a-Service) will drive carrier billing spend for transit services by offering an improved user experience across a single app that leverages carrier billing to process the payment.

Juniper Research offers research and analytical services to the global hi-tech communications sector; providing consultancy, analyst reports and industry commentary.

-- BERNAMA