US mobile data services and applications generated $1.6 bln in Q4 2004

IDC found that US wireless carriers generated $1.6 bln in data service and application revenues in Q4 2004 from a base of 178.2 mln subscribers and customers. Data services and applications are essential to slowing or reversing the slide in average revenue per unit (ARPU) associated with the voice side of the business - and while data represented some 5.8% of industry-wide ARPU in Q4 2004, IDC anticipates it will grow to better than 15% of total service revenues in the years ahead.