Sony Ericsson’s slide into the abyss seems to be slowly continuing as the world’s sixth largest mobile handset maker announced its results earlier today. The company, whose phones generally run on Google’s Android OS, saw net income drop by €10million (from €21m to €11m) compared with the same quarter in 2010. Although their operating income of €19m did beat analysts’ estimates of €15m. One of the problems that the joint venture faced were sales, where they were hit by their overreliance on mid-range handsets. Total sales fell 19% to €1.15bn and handset units dropped by 2.4m to 8.1m for Q1 2011.
The company is continually striving to be more successful in the competitive smart phone market and this sector now accounts for 60% of the devices sold by the group. The jewel in the crown is the newly released Xperia Play, or “PlayStation phone,” which they hope will kick start the companies push for more market share. They’re on to a winner being on Android but to be truthful…everyone’s on Android. Chances are you’d pick an HTC or Samsung over a Sony Ericsson these days too.
As those in the UK argue over 4G accesses the European Commission (EC) has today ruled that member states can use spectrum in the current 900 and 1800 MHz frequencies to provide their countries with 4G services. They are currently used for 2G and 3G services but the addition of 4G won’t adversely affect the current services. Neelie Kroes, Vice-President of the European Commission for the Digital Agenda, said: “This Decision opens the way for the latest 4G mobile devices to gain access to the radio spectrum they need to operate, and so further stimulate high-speed broadband services and foster more competition.” Countries have until the 31 December 2011 to “implement the decision into their national rules” according to the release from the EC.
