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Russian mobile operators get more revenues from Apple’s iOS

MegaFon analyzed the data exchange traffic of its subscribers in Moscow and the Moscow Region during the first three months after the purchase of a smartphone

© EPA/KIMIMASA MAYAMA

MOSCOW, July 24. /ITAR-TASS/. Russian mobile operators receive higher revenues from subscribers using smartphones working on Apple’s iOS operating system rather than other platforms, business daily Vedomosti reported Thursday, referring to a study carried out by mobile operator MegaFon.

MegaFon analyzed the data exchange traffic of its subscribers in Moscow and the Moscow Region during the first three months after the purchase of a smartphone. Average revenue per user (ARPU) grew 45% when a subscriber switched from a regular phone to an iOS smartphone, as compared to a 34% growth when switching to a Windows Phone, and 23% when switching to an Android phone.

Spending of iPhone users more than tripled, while spending of Windows Phone and Android users less than doubled.

Total ARPU, including voice services, increased by 17% at users choosing iOS phones, as compared to a 16% growth at Windows Phone users and 10% at Android users.

A MegaFon representative explained the trend by the fact that the range of Android devices is wider, and they are presented in different price segments from 1,500 rubles to 30,000 rubles. It means that their buyers have different income and the level of spending on communications. Apple’s smartphones are premium class devices.

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