Telco 2.0™ Executive Briefings

This site contains three types of content on the subject of business model innovation at the intersection of Telecoms, Media and Technology from analyst firm STL Partners:

The Telco 2.0 Executive Briefing Subscription Service (content listed here, and agenda here) - a searchable online database of market research and analysis covering new theory, new product ideas, case studies, and use cases from around the world from the Telco 2.0™ Initiative (non-members join here, members please log in to access your exclusive content using the login box on the left menu);
Presentations from the New Digital Economics Brainstorms, accessible only to Brainstorm Alumni and subscribers to the Executive Briefing service;
Telco 2.0 Strategy Reports - major c.200 page reports (that are not part of the standard Executive Briefings Service).

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Recently Published Content (Use "Search" or "more articles" to find more)

'Under-The-Floor' (UTF) Players: threat or opportunity? (in: Strategy & Finance)

The telecoms industry often puts so-called OTT (over-the-top) players like Google and Facebook at the forefront of its concerns, as they pose new competition for services and applications. But what about encroachment of companies “underneath” the telcos, displacing them from their core asset, the network? Telco 2.0 examines the strategic threats and opportunities from wholesale providers, outsourcers and government-run broadband networks. (January 2012)

UTF Image Jan 2012

Asia & Middle East: 'can do' Telco 2.0 Strategies (in: Strategy & Finance)

In 2011 we’ve really been struck by the ‘can do’ attitude of companies in the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions towards Telco 2.0 strategies, and their desire to leapfrog legacy (Western) business models and technologies. This was highlighted at the New Digital Economics & CSG APAC Executive Brainstorm in Singapore, as were increasing similarities between APAC region business model challenges with those in Europe and America. (December 2011)

APAC and EMEA Telco 2.0 Image

Personal Data 2.0: Industry fails Carrier IQ test (in: User Data & Privacy)

The debacle with Sprint, AT&T and T-Mobile US over Carrier IQ’s phone monitoring software highlights the pitfalls and opportunities of recording user behaviour, controlling mobile broadband networks and working with personal data – a key enabler of the new digital economy and new telco business models. This is our analysis of the issues and key lessons. (December 2011)

Carrier IQ Smartphone Eye image Dec 2011 Telco 2.0

Dealing with the 'Disruptors': Google, Apple, Facebook, Microsoft/Skype and Amazon (in: Adjacent & Disruptors)

An extract from our new 284 page, 124 chart, strategy report that analyses the business models, markets, objectives, strategies and modus operandi of the major adjacent players, and their current and future impact on the telecoms industry. The report identifies the areas and options for competition and co-operation, and outlines potential strategies for interacting with each player. It also draws the combined activities of the digital empires - telcos, so called 'OTT players' and others - into the context of the new 'Great Game', the battle for power and value in the emerging digital economy. (November 2011.)

Google Apple Facebook Microsoft Skype Amazon Telco 2.0 Disruptor Report Cover

LTE: Less Transforming than Expected (in: Technology and Devices)

An analysis of the status of LTE, the next generation of wireless network technology, including a round-up of early operator trials, and views on prospects for key vendors by Telco 2.0 partners Arete Research. (December 2011)

Telecoms and the Eurozone Economic Crisis: a perfect storm? (in: Strategy & Finance)

What are the possible impacts on telecoms of further economic troubles in the Eurozone? Will it be recessionary business as usual or something much nastier? And how will it impact ‘Telco 2.0’ Strategies? (December 2011)

EMEA Messaging Decline reasons Nov 2011

Your Text is on Fire: OTT's to burn 40% SMS revenue by 2015 (in: Voice & Messaging)

In four years' time, Telco SMS revenue will decline on average by around 40% across Europe and the Middle East according to the senior execs at this month's Telco 2.0 brainstorm in London. The main cause is competitive pressure from 'OTT' alternatives (Facebook, Skype, Google, BBM, etc). Mobile voice isn't that far behind, with a 20% decline foreseen. What can be done and what is the role of RCS-e? (November 2011)

EMEA Messaging Decline reasons Nov 2011

CDNs 2.0: should telcos compete with Akamai? (in: Future Broadband)

Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) such as Akamai’s are used to improve the quality and reduce costs of delivering digital content at volume. What role should telcos now play in CDNs? (September 2011)

Should telcos compete with Akamai?

Handset IPR - a new cold war begins (in: Technology and Devices)

The recent spate of deals (Google/Motorola, Nortel, Microsoft/Nokia) are the start of a long 'Cold War', where all parties are heavily armed, and risk destroying each other (and themselves) with overly aggressive legal actions. Telco 2.0 partners Arete Research analyse implications for the mobile device space and clarify some misunderstood issues. (September 2011)

Cloud 2.0: don't blow it, telcos (in: Cloud Services)

Enterprise cloud computing services need great connectivity to work, but there are opportunities for telcos to participate beyond the connectivity. What are the opportunities, how are telcos approaching them, and what are the key strategies? Includes forecasts for telcos' shares of VPC, IaaS, PaaS and SaaS. (September 2011)

Apps & Telco APIs Figure 1 Drivers of the App Market Telco 2.0 Sept 2011

Apps & Telco APIs 2.0: their role vs Facebook, Skype, and iMessage (in: Apps & Appstores)

Many popular communications apps such as Facebook, Skype and iMessage bypass telcos’ core networks by going ‘over the top’. Yet smartphone apps, and in future HTML5 web apps, also present new distribution opportunities for telco services including voice, messaging, and payments, as long as developers are motivated to use telco APIs. How should telcos approach the 'App Economy' to best defend existing revenues and develop new opportunities? (August 2011)

Apps & Telco APIs Figure 1 Drivers of the App Market Telco 2.0 Sept 2011

Connected TV: Forecasts and Winners/Losers (UK Case Study) (in: Entertainment & Content)

Our in-depth look at the UK’s highly competitive digital TV market which reflects many global trends, such as competition between different types of content distributor (LoveFilm, YouTube, Virgin Media, BBC, BSkyB, BT, etc.), channel proliferation, new devices used for viewing, and the increasing prevalence of connected TVs. What are the key trends and who will be the winners and losers? (August 2011)

Chart from Connected TV Figure 2 telco 2.0

Broadband 2.0: Mobile CDNs and video distribution (in: Future Broadband)

Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) are becoming familiar in the fixed broadband world as a means to improve the experience and reduce the costs of delivering bulky data like online video to end-users. Is there now a compelling need for their mobile equivalents, and if so, should operators partner with existing players or build / buy their own? (August 2011)

Telco 2.0 Six Key Opportunity Types Chart July 2011

Facebook: really 'worth' $30 billion max - $100 billion is hype (in: Adjacent & Disruptors)

Our maximum valuation of Facebook is $30 billion despite some of the 'hype' suggesting $100 billion valuations. In any event, Facebook will be under enormous pressure to find new sources of growth making further moves into telecommunications likely. See why in this extract previewing our next Strategy Report on 'Internet disruptors' covering Google, Facebook, Apple, Amazon and Skype, and strategies for 'co-opetition' with them. (August 2011)

Strategy 2.0: The Six Key Telco 2.0 Opportunities (in: Strategy & Finance)

A summary of the six Telco 2.0 opportunities to transform telco's business models for success in an IP-based, post PSTN world: Core Services, Vertical Solutions, Infrastructure Services, Embedded Communications, 3rd Party Enablers, and Own Brand OTT Services. It includes an extract from the Roadmap to New Telco 2.0 Business Models, updates on latest developments, and feedback from over 500 senior TMT industry execs. (July 2011)

Telco 2.0 Six Key Opportunity Types Chart July 2011

M2M 2.0: Market, Business Models, and Telcos' Role(s) (in: M2M & Embedded)

Our latest report on M2M 2.0 covers: M2M market growth, structure and dynamics; business models; the best role(s) for telcos; and leading thinking from Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, Telenor, KPN and Swisscom. It describes how 'Service Enablers' are key to the telco opportunity in M2M in addition to connectivity. (July 2011)

M2M Pie Chart Service Enablers July 2011

RIM: R.I.P. or ‘Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated’? (in: Adjacent & Disruptors)

RIM’s shares have plummeted in value over the last four months, prompting an eruption of finger-pointing in the media and speculation of its demise or acquisition. In this analysis we examine whether the doom-mongers are right and what RIM’s recovery strategy might be. (July 2011)

Apple iCloud/iOS: Killing SMS Softly? (in: Adjacent & Disruptors)

Our analysis of how Apple's iCloud, iOS5, and MacOS developments build value and control for Apple's digital platform, and their consequences on other parts of the digital ecosystem, including the impact of iMessage on text messaging. (June 2011)

Strategy 2.0: What Skype + Microsoft means for telcos (in: Voice & Messaging)

In theory, Microsoft and Skype have the resources, the brands, the customer base and the know-how to shape the future of telecoms and become a strategic counterweight to Apple and Google. Can they do it – and what should telcos’ strategy be? (June 2011)

Cloud 2.0: Telcos to grow Revenues 900% by 2014 (in: Cloud Services)

Telcos should grow Cloud Services revenues nine-fold and triple their overall market share in the next three years according to delegates at the May 2011 EMEA Executive Brainstorm. But which are the best opportunities and strategies? (June 2011)

Mobile Broadband Economics: LTE 'Not Enough' (in: Future Broadband)

Innovation appears to be flourishing in mobile broadband. At the Telco 2.0 EMEA Executive Brainstorm earlier this month we saw working applications that enable a.) users to monitor and control their network usage and services and b.) operators to support 'dynamic pricing'. Despite growing enthusiasm for LTE, delegates considered offloading traffic and network sharing strategies as at least as effective in managing costs. (May 2011)

Telco 2.0 Strategy: New Growth needs New Metrics (in: Strategy & Finance)

‘What gets measured gets done’, and telcos need to use new metrics to uncover and develop new sources of value. They also need to make WAC a ‘JFDI’ initiative. These and other top level Telco 2.0 strategic themes from the May 2011 EMEA Telco 2.0 Executive Brainstorm. (May 2011)

LTE & Wholesale: Time to Get Aggressive? (in: Future Broadband)

We examine four examples of the growing trend of wholesale-oriented LTE operations, their key challenges and opportunities, and recommend that incumbent operators should be more aggressive in wholesale. (May 2010)

New Business Models: Half Future Telco Growth (in: Strategy & Finance)

Senior industry executives in Palo Alto at the 12th Telco 2.0 Executive Brainstorm agreed that half of the telco growth available in the next 3 years would come from the new business model opportunities identified in the ‘Roadmap to new Telco 2.0 Business Models’ report. The other half would come from improvements to the current business model. Headline findings in brief. (April 2011)

The Roadmap to New Telco 2.0 Business Models (in: Strategy Reports)

This Strategy Report plots the transformational path that telcos need to follow to achieve the $375Bn p.a. 'Telco 2.0' opportunities. It describes the six growth opportunity areas for the Telecoms industry, identifies new categories of operators, benchmarks the primary strategies needed by each to evolve and thrive in the new industry environment, and highlights leading examples of telco business model innovation. It has 284 pages, including a 13 page Executive Summary and a detailed index. (April 2011.)

Public Wifi: Destroying LTE/Mobile Value? (in: Future Broadband)

By building or acquiring Public WiFi networks for tens of $Ms, highly innovative fixed players in the UK are stealthily removing $Bns of value from 3G and 4G mobile spectrum as smartphone and other data devices become increasingly carrier agnostic. What are the lessons globally? (April 2011)

Appstore 2.0: Amazon Vs Apple & Google (in: Entertainment & Content)

Amazon is probably the Internet's best retailer. As it launches its own AppStore, we provide a detailed analysis of its digital media business and pick out the key opportunities it offers to content owners, network service providers and manufacturers. (March 2011)

Tablet Frenzy: Network Poison or Economic Palliative? (in: Technology and Devices)

The success of the iPad2 has been seen by some as a sign of a paradigm shift in computing. With their theoretical appeal as a new portable medium for online video consumption could tablets have a significant impact on communications networks and economics? Here is Telco 2.0’s market outlook. (March 2011)

Arete Research: Getting to a Billion Smartphones in 2013 (in: Technology and Devices)

Smartphones have already transformed the device market but are growth predictions vastly underestimated? Arete Research explain how smartphones growth will mirror that of low cost handsets and reach a billion by 2013. (March 2011)

Android: Google's Anti-Apple Virus? (in: Adjacent & Disruptors)

It can be tempting to think of Android as in a two-horse race with Apple. Our analysis shows that the current and future impact of Google's highly successful mobile ecosystem play is much more complex. (March 2011)

iPad2: how Apple plans to dominate the ‘post PC era’ (in: Adjacent & Disruptors)

Apple’s new ‘PC-killer’ tablet is intended to significantly expand the Apple ecosystem, with long-term impacts on many players including telcos, giving Apple an even stronger hold on the market. What strategies should telcos adopt? (March 2011)

YouTube: Recent improvements could change the game (again) (in: Entertainment & Content)

YouTube’s recent improvements to its business model and balance sheet make it much more attractive to content owners. In this article we explain these developments and examine the wider implications for all players the market. (March 2011)

Digital Entertainment 2.0: Telcos risk missing the UltraViolet online video opportunity (in: Entertainment & Content)

2011 sees the introduction of the UltraViolet digital locker platform by DECE, a consortium led by 6 of the 7 top Hollywood studios and backed by 50 cross-industry heavyweights, to support the transition of film and TV to online distribution. What opportunities will telcos miss if they fail to engage? (March 2011).

Mobile World Congress: Microsoft CEO fails to land all punches, but... (in: Adjacent & Disruptors)

Microsoft's pugilistic CEO Steve Ballmer came out fighting at the 2011 GSMA Mobile World Congress, but failed to register a convincing win. Is this the start of the old software champ's great comeback in mobile, or is the only way down? Our hunch may surprise you. (February, 2011)

Augmented Reality: Is there a valuable role for telcos? (in: Apps & Appstores)

An introduction to Augmented Reality (AR) including: key industry players; latest developments; and the AR ecosystem. The key strategic question is what role should telcos play? Three possible roles are outlined. (February 2011)

M2M 2.0: New Approaches Needed (in: M2M & Embedded)

The M2M market structure is evolving rapidly and new roles and requirements are emerging that are unaligned with much current telco practice. What must telcos do to avoid missing out and potentially inhibiting the market overall? (Jan 2011)

Facing up to Facebook (in: Adjacent & Disruptors)

Despite a >500 million user base and global media hype, Facebook needs more revenues than advertising can bring, and sees communications as a key area to target as its deal with Skype has shown. Telco 2.0's detailed analysis of Facebook's business model and strategy. (Executive Video Briefing, December 2010)

Telcos vs. Internet Players: Act before it’s too late (in: Strategy & Finance)

There's less than 3 years for telcos to take advantage of key strategic ‘control points’ in their battle for sustainable growth in the communications and e-commerce markets, concluded delegates at the Telco 2.0 EMEA Brainstorm in November. How should they think differently about their value and where do they need to (re)focus their attention? Full report from the Brainstorm. (Executive Briefing, December 2010)

Cloud 2.0: What are the Telco Opportunities? (in: Cloud Services)

Telco 2.0’s analysis of operators’ potential role and opportunity in ‘Cloud Services’, a set of new business model opportunities that are still in an early stage of development - although players such as Amazon have already blazed a substantial trail. (December 2010)

Cloud Services 2.0: Clearing Fog, Sunshine Forecast, say Telco 2.0 Delegates (in: Cloud Services)

The early stage of development of the market means there is some confusion on the telco Cloud opportunity, yet clarity is starting to emerge, and the concept of ‘Network-as-a-Service’ found particular favour with Telco 2.0 delegates at our recent Brainstorms. (December 2010)

Cloud 2.0: "Worth $43Bn by 2013" Say Cisco (in: Cloud Services)

Cisco say Cloud will be worth $43Bn to telcos in the near future, and have realised savings of up to 40% in both Opex and Capex by transferring all of their own internal IT Services to the cloud - a good example of the Telco 2.0 innovator's principle of 'eating your own cloud-food'. Video interview with Simon Aspinall, Director Data Center, Cloud and Mobility Services, Cisco. (December 2010)

Cloud 2.0: What Should Telcos do? IBM's View (in: Cloud Services)

IBM say that telcos are well positioned to provide cloud services, and forecast an $89Bn opportunity over 5 years globally. Video presentation and slides including forecast, case studies, and lessons for future competitiveness. (December 2010).

Making Sense of 'Cloud / xAAS': Seven Clear Examples (in: Cloud Services)

The point and value of Cloud Services can sometimes seem elusive. Here's a well received presentation that includes a simple, workable definition and seven case studies that illustrate different types of 'Cloud Services' / xAAS (e.g. Network, Platform-As-A-Service). (December 2010)

Consumer Data: Microsoft: Why Telcos Must Act Now - or Lose The Opportunity (in: User Data & Privacy)

Marc Davis, formerly Yahoo! Mobile's Chief Scientist, now at Microsoft, and a key collaborator with both Telco 2.0 and the World Economic Forum's 'Re-Thinking Personal Data' initiative, gives his unique perspective on the 'Gold Rush' for personal information, and why telcos must act now or lose the opportunity to take a valuable role in it.

Google: Strategic 'Co-opetition' with Telcos on Consumer Data (in: User Data & Privacy)

The 'Personal Information Economy' will see a higher intensity of strategic co-opetition between Google and telcos according to Google's Eric Sachs. (November 2010)

AT&T: to be a 'Personal Information Agent' (in: User Data & Privacy)

Von Wright, VP Cloud & Wholesale Services, describes how AT&T plans to put consumers in control of their own data, and take the role of an agent or broker for their Personal Information. (Nov 2010)

$Multi-Billion Telco 2.0 Growth Opportunities in North America: Can Telcos Act in Time? (in: Strategy & Finance)

An initial summary of the key out-takes from the 10th Telco 2.0 Americas Executive Brainstorm (incorporating Digital Entertainment 2.0) held in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, October 28-29, 2010. 92% of participants agreed it is time to make either a step change in key functions (34%) or initiate a fundamental transformation (58%) in the next 12-18 months. (November 2010)

Customer Data 2.0: Telcos Must Vie for a slice of the $Multi-Billion ‘PIE’ (in: User Data & Privacy)

Facebook, Google and others are pioneering the creation of the Personal Information Economy (PIE) based on consumer/user data. We outline emerging participants’ roles, and why, where and how telcos could and should play. (October 2010)

Facebook: Moving into Telco Space? (in: Adjacent & Disruptors)

Telco 2.0’s analysis of Facebook’s business model shows that the social networking giant may need to turn to communications for much needed new revenues. (October 2010)

Aligning M2M with Telco 2.0 Strategies (in: Analysts' Notes): A review of Telenor, Jasper Wireless and KPN’s approaches to M2M, examining how M2M strategy needs to fit with an operators’ future broadband business model strategy. (October 2010)

10 'Innovation Principles' for success in a disrupted marketplace (in: Strategy & Finance): 10 generic action-oriented principles of innovation which are applicable to, and adoptable by, all companies within the disrupted Telco, Media and Technology industries regardless of their vision or strategy. (Executive Briefing, September 2010.)

Net Neutrality 2.0: Don't Block the Pipe, Lubricate the Market (in: Future Broadband): ‘Net Neutrality’ has gathered increasing momentum as a market issue, with AT&T, Verizon, major European telcos and Google and others all making their points in advance of the Ofcom, EC, and FCC consultation processes. This is Telco 2.0’s input, analysis and recommendations. (Sept 2010)

Vodafone 360 on Android, iTunes: Now Getting it Right? (in: Analysts' Notes): Vodafone 360 was meant to be a new, social-network centred approach to managing the customer interface. Unfortunately, it was also bug-ridden and dogged by a lack of clarity of purpose. Now, its availability on Android Market and iTunes may create a strategic opportunity for Vodafone to access more customers. (August 2010)

Entertainment 2.0: New Sources of Revenue for Telcos? (in: Entertainment & Content): Telco assets and capabilities could be used much more to help Film, TV and Gaming companies optimize their beleaguered business model. An extract from our new 38 page Executive Briefing report examining the opportunities for ‘Hollywood’ and telcos. (Executive Briefing, August 2010)

Devices 2.0: 'Beyond Smartphones' - Innovation Strategies for Operators (in: Technology and Devices): Managing the role of new device categories in new and existing fixed and mobile business models is a key strategic challenge for operators. This report includes analysis of the practicalities and challenges of creating customised devices, best / worst practice, inserting ‘control points’ in open products, the role of 'ODMs', and reviews leading alternative approaches. (Executive Briefing, August 2010)

Mobile Devices: Fight Club (in: Technology and Devices): The device market has been transformed by smartphones and tablets but who do institutional investors see as the winners and losers? From our Partners at Arete Research

Is Ribbit worth $105m to BT yet? (in: Enterprise & CEBP): How is the strategic rationale for BT’s acquisition of Ribbit as their ‘Voice 2.0’ platform working out? We spoke with Crick Waters, Ribbit's co-founder and EVP. (July 2010)

New Strategy Report: Telco 2.0 Case Directory - 5 'Use Cases', 10 Case Studies (in: Innovation Case Studies): A new 255 page report describing 5 new 'Use Cases', detailed descriptions / mini business cases for new, near term Telco 2.0 applications. The report also details 10 Case Studies from Telecoms and adjacent industries that illustrate key principles and early market progress.

Future Broadband: “Happy Pipes”: worth $416Bn by 2020? (in: Future Broadband): The worldwide broadband access market has the potential to grow to $416bn by 2020, if operators embrace the “Happy Pipe” concept. Headline forecasts and analysis from the Telco 2.0 Strategy Report “Mobile, Fixed and Wholesale Broadband Business Models: Best Practice Innovation, ‘Telco 2.0' Opportunities, Forecasts and Future Scenarios”.

New Telco Growth: is Time Running Out? (in: Executive Brainstorms): At a time when telcos are being re-rated as quasi utilities by investors, the importance of creating sophisticated and effective strategies for new growth is becoming ever more pressing. But the recent Telco 2.0 ‘Executive Brainstorm’ demonstrated that the clock is ticking fast and the opportunity could slip away from Telcos as nimbler competitors from adjacent industries take the value. (June 2010)