Soon, One-Third of Music will be Mobile, Study Says

A new study from a UK-based research firm says that music delivered to mobile phones through carrier networks will increase to 30 percent by 2011.

Currently music delivered to mobile phones represents around 13 percent of global recorded music retail value. Research firm Understanding & Solutions said the increase to 30 percent will amount to US$11 billion and help to offset some of the decline in packaged music revenues.

"Looking to emerging markets, mobile could become the number one platform for music, where packaged CDs haven't gained traction due to piracy and lack of hardware ownership," said Understanding & Solutions Consultant, David Sidebottom.

The study said that Japan, closely followed by the USA, has the most efficient mobile music landscape, although interfaces and software need to continue to improve to make the mobile experience comparable with online.