Nielsen: Users ignoring carriers in search for mobile apps

Although consumers across the globe express strong demand for personalized mobile services, most subscribers believe that media organizations, digital services providers and software developers are more appropriate application providers than mobile operators, according to a new survey conducted by Nielsen Research and commissioned by communications solutions provider Tellabs. After studying 15,000 consumers across 15 countries, Nielsen reports that 63 percent of subscribers indicate that within the next six months they would use mobile applications tailored to their personal preferences, location, time of day and social setting; however, they expect these services to originate via the likes of Google, Facebook and the BBC, not their carriers. Instead, they deem operators "most appropriate" to offer services like voice, SMS and MMS.

Nielsen adds that consumers do understand carriers offer services like mobile music, the web, search and navigation solutions, but more readily identify with third-party brands such as Google. On a more upbeat note, users worldwide indicate strong trust in their wireless carriers, second only to banks.

For more on the Nielsen survey:
- read this release

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