Mobile data usage in Australia is increasingly driven by handset developments, most notably the introduction of web-centric mobile handsets such as the Apple iPhone and BlackBerry. Mobile application stores which provide a marketplace for developers to independently market their mobile web services are likely to gain in popularity in 2010. However, in the short term growth in the mobile data market may be lowered by persistently high charges that some operators levy for transmitting application data. Operators are reluctant to lower prices as that could lead to a surge in usage and to network congestion requiring additional investment. Meanwhile declines in the price of mobile data are likely to stimulate growth in 2010. Growth in usage may come at the expense of revenue growth as margins are lowered due to competitive pressures.
