3G Mobile multimedia services (MMS) utilization in Indonesia: An exploratory research

The number of subscribers to 3G mobile networks in Indonesia is around 8.2% of total mobile phone subscribers, which shows a very low number compared with other countries. There exists a huge potential market which is yet to be exploited. To capitalize on this market, however, it is important to know the potential use of the 3G mobile networks in Indonesia as a developing country. One of the potential uses of the 3G mobile networks is 3G mobile multimedia services. To understand the current status and potential of 3G mobile multimedia services use among Indonesians, it is important to explore the reason why some Indonesians have, and others haven´t yet, embraced 3G mobile multimedia services, and perceiving these services. In this article, we present key findings of our research that addresses these objectives. Our study reveals that although many respondents aware of the 3G technology, only 47% of respondents use 3G mobile multimedia services. Even those who use 3G mobile multimedia services have perceived only a limited use of 3G mobile multimedia services. The service that they mostly use is the internet access followed by video call and mobile TV. The services such as video email, mobile video, movie preview, and video surveillance are not much used. 53% of respondents do not use 3G mobile multimedia services though some of them have 3G services support mobile phone. The main reasons they cited for non using 3G services are high cost of the services, no compatible hand devices, family and friends do not use 3G mobile multimedia services, and 3G applications and services are not easy to use.