The vision of the ‘Networked Society’ is likely to be realised within the next few years, with more than 50 billion connected devices, of which more than 15 billion will be video-enabled, in use by 2020.
They will, according to Media Vision 2020, Ericsson’s strategic view of how the TV and media industry will evolve over the next six years, rely on mobile IP (internet protocol) networks dominated by video.
The Media Vision 2020 project is based on more than six months of research and brings together the concerted efforts of hundreds of people from across the global Ericsson organisation.
It includes statistical data, detailed surveys, and interviews with individuals, focus groups, industry participants and consumers.
Looking specifically at advanced markets such as Western Europe and the US, Ericsson foresees that the 15 billion video-enabled devices will transform the consumption experience of TV. At the same time, mobile broadband will be essential in all regions and fundamental in emerging regions.
It also says that bundling of content and services will remain the ultimate opportunity; delivery of OTT will become applicable to all TV service providers or content owners; On-demand will have risen to parity with live/linear; new entrants bring new investment; and market revenues will have risen from $530 billion in 2013 to $750 billion in 2020.
Commenting on Media Vision 2020, Per Borgklint, senior VP and head of business unit support solutions, Ericsson, said: “The future is not certain, but the direction and trends are clear. The rules of TV are changing and it is essential for our customers to evaluate their strategies for success.
“The hope is that by sharing our Media Vision 2020 and the Game Changers, and offering our truly unique insights, capabilities and leadership that the media industry overall will achieve success and delight consumers well into the future. We have combined our broad understanding and expertise of the TV market, alongside extensive, quantifiable research to help our customers address the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving ecosystem.”