72 million mobile social networking users in India by 2014

A report released by Analysys Mason states that the number of mobile social network users in India is expected to reach around 72 million by 2014.
The main drivers for this growth will be the falling smartphone prices in India, along with the launch of 3G services. Other factors influencing this growth are innovative data tariffs, initiatives by operators as well as handset manufacturers etc.
“Innovative data tariff plans (daily, weekly and monthly plans), and significant reduction in data charges are driving adoption of data-based services such as social networking,” says Sourabh Kaushal, principal consultant, Analysys Mason.
The report suggests that both, the operators and handset manufacturers need to expand their addressable base of consumers and focus on service innovation to increase the penetration of social networking in India.
“Operators are launching services such as pay-per-site tariffs and are expected to promote social networking applications to drive adoption of data services among their subscribers,” explains Kaushal.
He adds, “Handset manufacturers have also started to launch mobile handsets specifically designed for social networking in order to increase the value proposition and differentiate their devices.”
Young people and young professionals are driving the adoption of mobile social networking in India, accounting for 70 per cent of the total users in 2009. In terms of gender, males account for 56 per cent of the total mobile social network users in India, the report adds.