The mobile web has become a phenomenon, now the question is “why carry a laptop everywhere you go when you can access the internet on a little device?” Why spend so much money on a laptop and pay for internet access when you can access the internet on your mobile phone with a 3G or 4G connection? Granted using a pc has its advantage in having a larger amount of storage and memory, it’s easier to create a document or graphic design. Personally, it could be argued that having a pc could be a back-up plan while a mobile phone travels around with the individual.
Not only can you access the internet from a mobile phone, but it can also be accessed on an IDTV and a games console such as PlayStation 2 and 3 and even an Xbox. IDTV also known as “Interactive Digital TV” has a huge potential and changes the way the audience use TV.
IDTV is different; it delivers more channels, better pictures and more interaction. For marketers, this means better targeting and immediate opportunities to sell, to collect data and to develop relationships. The IDTV can be seen as a “lean back” medium where relaxation dominates, where as a PC is more of a “lean forward” interactive medium.
According to a report on Reuters in 2007, world wide mobile phones subscriptions reached 3.3 billion users, compared to the television usage which was about 1.5 billion users and desktop internet usage 1.1 billion users. This goes to show the potential of internet access on mobiles phones and on IDTV in the future.
The BBC also reported that the trend of internet access on mobile phones is also penetrating into developing countries, according to the report 61% of its international WAP user came from Nigeria and 19% from South Africa. This goes to show that the internet access via mobile phones has a potential to be a truly mass online medium.
FACTORS THAT DRIVE INTERNET ACCESS ON MOBILE PHONES
The world is one that is constantly changing and always on the move, it is also necessary for individuals to be on the move. To be able to access their e-mail, latest news, browse onto social and business networking sites such as Face-book and Bebo.
It is also easier to access the internet via a handset; many phone providers create friendly and colourful, yet attractive handset. Also, the entry level features for phones are rising with high resolutions and colourful screens. For example, Nokia and Blackberry.
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I totally agree with you about the fact that internet on the mobile phone can make life easier but in terms of customers technical satisfaction it can still have disadvantages.
ReplyDeleteIt would be wrong for me to say that in terms of customers technical satisfaction it does not have its disadvantages. But in today's society, technology is moving very fast and most consumers are moving with technology and updates.
ReplyDeleteLike the slogan on YAHOO! GO for mobile says….“The convenience of email wherever you are”.
ReplyDeleteWith the increase in Internet availability at a relatively low cost and advancement in mobile technology, there will continue to be an increase in the use of mobile Internet technology because of its convenience. Hence, marketing opportunities for e-marketers
Imagine you driving on the highway/motorway in your BMW equipped with a GPS, and suddenly an advert for a diamond necklace appears on your GPS screen (e-marketing) and you immediately remember that its your mum or significant other’s birthday. You touch on the image on your GPS screen and alas the nearest jewelry store with the diamond necklace in stock pops up. With your GPS equipped with a barcode scanner, you scan your credit card and bingo your purchase is approved. Your GPS automatically routes you to the store, you go to the drive-thru, pick your order and off you go. You call it E-MARKETING AT ITS BEST…. I call it…. SHOPPING ON THE GO – AT YOUR CONVENIENCE.