a handy summary by: Anuj KHANNA, Vice President, Mobile Operator Partnerships, Tanla Mobile & Director, Mobile Data Association UK
“Just in case if you missed the recent Mobile World Congress, given below is a quick summary outlining the key developments in the mobile industry and what to expect in 2009.
1. The rise of Smartphones: Apple has got some serious competition with every vendor including Samsung, Nokia, RIM, LG, etc. launching their version of a touch screen multimedia handset.
2. Handset Application Stores: Some vendors launched a me-too handset portal and others made a more concerted effort by launching a more long term strategy such as Nokia’s OVI.
3. Mobile Internet and flat rate data: With an increased interest in mobile internet services, flat rate data plans are the way forward to increase data usage and revenues.
4. Embedded payments & content: will drive usage and there will be a variety of embedded and connected payment technologies including micro payments, premium WAP, mobile ticketing and retail.
5. Mobile advertising: will rise but there will be a struggle to establish a sustainable business model between paid for and ad funded advertising.
6. Generally the show had slightly reduced attendance and gloomy economic sentiment. However, the mobile industry has grown to the point where there is more qualified demand for value added services and the ability to deliver them which creates an opportunity for all of us in the value chain.
7. 2009 will be the year of mobile value added services, smart phones, applications and mobile payments.”