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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