Respondents to the survey represent most of the top US mobile operators, smaller/regional wireless carriers and mobile application developers.

The study shows that US mobile operators and equipment vendors are supportive in the drive toward real-time video, which is likely to become more mainstream in the US market over the next few years. Some key findings include:

• Over 50% of US wireless operators interviewed plan to launch, or increase access to, real-time video services over the next 2 years

• In order to compete with larger players, smaller operators are offering more Internet access and are pursuing flexible IP communication applications from 3rd parties

• Almost half of operators surveyed are enthusiastic about delivering “open platforms” for 3rd party software developers

Mark Radoff of Ovum commented on the study’s findings, “Real-time video is coming to the forefront for mobile operators, as many respondents stated significant video activity is in the pipeline for the next two years.  Both the small and large operators are keen to launch these services and determine ways to productize real-time video, to differentiate their services and potentially increase ARPU.”

While only AT&T Wireless has thus far launched a video conferencing service, most carriers indicate the service is coming.  The study shows that operators launching video conferencing applications would likely provide opportunity for software vendors. While operators have growing confidence in their networks, respondents indicated that optimization is still an issue, as well as usable applications and integration with social networks. It is important to note that more than half of the respondents showed enthusiasm for open platforms, whereby software vendors can launch real-time video applications on an operator-approved handset.

Global IP Solutions’ CEO Emerick Woods said, “Most US mobile operators are running what is classified as a 3G network or 3.5G or equivalent network, able to ensure high quality VOIP and video-based services.  Now, with 4G and sophisticated WiMax networks beginning to emerge, there are fewer barriers to offering quality, real-time video and VoIP on mobile phones and networks.”

Woods continued, “This study confirms Global IP Solutions’ belief in the accelerating movement toward mobile video adoption and validates the activities from mobile operators and device manufacturers in making it a reality in the next few years.”

For more information about the report or to download it for free, visit http://gipscorp.com 

About Ovum:
Ovum's primary activity is providing value-added advisory services and consulting to retained and project clients. The company acts as a well-respected and trusted source of industry data, knowledge and expertise on the commercial impact of technology, regulatory and market changes. Ovum engages in continuous research and industry analysis to determine market dynamics in its specialist sectors. Ovum has developed long-standing relationships with many of its corporate clients, which include major international blue-chip companies such as Alcatel-Lucent, AT&T, BT, Cable & Wireless, Cisco Systems, Deutsche Telekom, Fujitsu, HP, IBM, Microsoft, Telstra and Vodafone. Ovum is part of the Datamonitor Group.

About Global IP Solutions
Global IP Solutions (Oslo Børs: GIPS) provides best-in-class voice and video processing in IP communications. GIPS enables its customers to deliver unmatched quality, with a faster time-to-market and with less risk than alternative solutions. GIPS serves application developers, wired and wireless service providers and network and telecommunications equipment vendors. Its customer list includes AOL, Citrix, Gadu-Gadu, IBM, Mail.ru, LG Nortel, Movial, Nimbuzz, Nortel, Oracle, Radvision, Samsung, Tencent and other key players in the voice and video markets. The company is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Stockholm, Boston and Hong Kong. For more information, visit www.gipscorp.com.