Domestic telecom companies, SK Telecom, KT and LG have decided to unite theirs App Stores. While Apple and Google already have ensured their competiveness for the App store market, it might be a little late for them to stand in the field. However, we all know that it is never too late.
The three telecom companies have concurred on the point that to compete in the global market, domestic App stores are way behind in content. Plus, it is not hard to miss that the App store market has shown a fast-paced growth with revenue to be forecasted at US$6.1 billion in 2010. This is a US$2.1 billion increase from a year ago. Therefore, this unification is certainly a tempting business for them.
From the combined App store, all the smartphone users could download apps regardless of operation system or the type of phone. And all the applications are going to be offered to the existing markets (from T store, Show store, and OZ store). When the stores are combined, the registration, verification and inspection of contents will be unified as well.
Moreover, Mobile Network Operation (MNO) is planning to establish developer programs, operation systems, which will stimulate the activity of the combined App store. Also, to entice users, MNO will register mare than 1,500 popular content.
At present, MNO and telecom companies have a high hope that the unification will bring a synergy effect. Commercial services from the combined App store are going to be available from the second half of next year.
