Although mobile internet is still in its early stages, mobile users are beginning to show some interest with this breakthrough technology. This is a good sign of progress for a market that is expected to grow from US$33.2 million in 2007 to US$1.4 billion in 2012.
A new survey conducted by research firm The Kelsey Group has revealed that about 45% of US mobile phone users say internet capability is a major consideration for their next mobile phone purchase.
Moreover, local commercial search and maps are the most preferred web applications. Currently, only 26% of the surveyed respondents have internet access plan for their mobile phones.
“The combination of unlimited data plans and next-generation Internet- enabled mobile devices, like Apple’s iPhone, suggests mobile Web access will grow to become ubiquitous. Growing mobile Internet usage and increased satisfaction with mobile Internet applications are among the converging factors that we believe point to a breakthrough year ahead for mobile ad adoption,” said Matt Booth, senior vice president and program director, Interactive Local Media, The Kelsey Group.
However, one big challenge for the telco industry is how to integrate the mobile ads. Technically, it is very feasible but a recent global survey has shown that 61% of the 9,500 respondents in 21 countries had rejected the ads on mobile TV and Internet services.
Hallelujah! I want better mobile Internet access in terms of higher monthly bandwidth instead of the cap that i have now. I pay way too much: $100/mth for only 250Mb/ month. So I quit my plan, only to find they increased to 1 Gb/mth. But still, $100/mth?!!