Today's communication service providers (CSPs) are rich in data-certainly the most valuable commodity in the Digital Age. Yet few have been successful at capitalizing on the data they have at their disposal. Meanwhile, over-the-top (OTT) providers have built lucrative business models on data monetization. A recent survey by Analysys Mason put this disconnect in stark terms: 89% of CSPs are pursuing or planning to pursue data monetization, but just 24% are finding it commercially significant. A significant minority, 11%, do not believe they can compete with OTTs at all.

The survey also uncovered several impediments to data monetization. The primary hurdle CSPs cite are privacy regulations such as the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), but they're also challenged by a lack of technical skills and sales knowledge as well as the cost of systems needed to implement.