Mobile operators will need to rethink their traditional role in the mobile payments value chain in ensure they remain relevant, according to a new study from Ovum. Despite operators' belief that they will maintain their central role in the value chain for m-wallet services, increasing competition and the threat of rival services from global over-the-top players and other parties means this will not be the case for most. The report noted that that the majority of operators are exploring mobile payment joint ventures that can leverage collective resources and customers, helping to create the kind of scale that is critical to success. However, Ovum said while there is logic to this, the track record on operator joint ventures is not always impressive. Article
