Data to comprise 30% share of telcos revenue by 2016: Qualcomm

With the rising popularity of smartphones and tablets, data services would contribute about 30% of the revenues of telecom operators in India by 2016, mobile chipset maker Qualcomm said today.

"Data in terms of overall revenue is still less, 15%, but this would grow to 30% in 2016. This is an opportunity but also a challenge," Qualcomm Chairman and CEO Paul Jacobs said at its signature event - India On 2011.

He said challenges like upgrading of networks, increasing efficiencies and improving customer experience would hold the key to this growth.

Other industry players at he event also said that data services would be the next phase of growth of telecom players, especially with the availability of 3G and BWA spectrum.

While operators such as Airtel, Vodafone and Idea have launched 3G services, Boradband Wireless Access services are yet to take off.

Operators are also betting big on the upcoming tablet segment. With tablets now available for as low as Rs 5,000, data consumption on mobile devices (including laptops and mobile phones) is only set to rise, industry officials said.

Meanwhile, a host of announcements were made on the sidelines of the event.

HTC has launched EVO 3D mobile phone, based on Snapdragon S3 mobile processor, which offers consumers 3D viewing without the use of specialised glasses. It is priced at Rs 35,990.

"We are proud to collaborate with Qualcomm to present... the first smartphone available in the Indian market offering a superior 3D viewing experience without glasses," HTC India Country Head Faisal Siddiqui said.

Sony Ericsson also launched two new devices -- Xperia ray and Xperia active.

CDMA services provider Sistema Shyam TeleServices (SSTL), which operates under the brand name MTS, also launched two Android-based smartphones priced below Rs 5,000.

Mapping device maker MapMyIndia announced the launch of its CarPad, priced at Rs 22,990.

The 3G, seven-inch display tablet device is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon S1 processor and is loaded with 3D and connected GPS navigation interface.

"The device just doesn't offer navigation features but entertainment, connectivity and productivity features as well to everyone in the car. We see CarPad heralding a new era of the smart, connected car...," MapmyIndia MD Rakesh Verma said.

The device will be available for sale from September 15, 2011.