Mobile web usage soaring
The number of people browsing the web with mobile devices is rocketing, according to a report from Juniper Research.
Juniper’s study indicates that 577 million people now use mobile internet services; and predict that the figure will exceed 1.7 billion by 2013.
The increase is put down to a heightened demand for mobile access to Web 2.0 services and wider takeup of 3G technology.
Many Web 2.0 properties, which tend to focus on user collaboration and social networking, have made mobile access a key part of their offering, blurring the line between the traditional and mobile web. For example, popular networking sites such as Twitter allow users to update their profiles either via mobile web access or by SMS text message.
Juniper speculate that the changes in how people are using mobile internet access will fundamentally change the market, removing the power of mobile service providers to control the content subscribers are exposed to.
“The mobile web 2.0 market is still nascent and business models remain in a state of flux, so there is still time for players to establish fruitful partnerships that build on their strengths and are reciprocally beneficial. The window of opportunity, however, is closing,” explained Ian Chard, analyst for Jupiter Research.
Mobile internet access is particularly popular in China, where fixed broadband connections are not as prevalent in homes as in Europe and North America. The report indicates this region will be the largest market by 2013, with an estimated 416 million users.
The increased competition is likely to mean that many Web 2.0 applications will need to be provided either at a low, flat rate or free of charge, forcing the industry to reevaluate their revenue streams.
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