Consumer‐Oriented Data Monetization Services

Abstract

One of the goals of mobile network operators is to extract more value from the data that is flowing on their networks. One possible way to get this value, or monetize the data, is to offer value-added services that the subscribers of cellular data would be interested in. This chapter explores some services of this nature. The mobile network operators are in a good position to offer some services because they can interpose themselves transparently between the mobile user and the Internet. This allows the operator to offer services like single sign-on or privacy. Single sign-on service allows mobile data subscribers to deal with the problem of exploding set of credentials on the Internet. The privacy service provided by a mobile network operator may be preferable over Internet-based privacy using onion routing to a select set of users. The network operator is also in a better position to provide a seamless experience for some services like customizing content so that it always appears in the preferred language of the subscriber. Providing services based on location of the user, as well as allowing commercial transactions using mobile phones, would open up new opportunities for generating revenues.