While mobile messaging services provide the second-highest revenue-generating source after voice, operators are in danger of losing their key position in this value chain to over-the-top (OTT) providers. This viewpoint comes from Informa Telecom & Media's latest Mobile Messaging study, which calls for operators to recognise that alternative messaging services are being offered to consumers that threaten their established role.The firm points to the rise of OTT providers of IP-based messaging services such as email, instant messaging and chat, coupled with the ability for mobile subscribers to offload their messaging traffic onto either public or private Wi-Fi networks. Many, if not all, of these choices may not be owned by the operator, leading to a loss of consumer loyalty and revenue. Article