May 22, 2008

Mobile Internet World Europe Summit 2008 Round-up

This week more than 500 delegates from throughout Europe and beyond converged on Munich for the inaugural Mobile Internet World Europe Summit. At the event thought leaders shared their expertise and experience in this exciting and emerging industry. 

Key messages shared with delegates included the importance of providing focus to user experience rather than focusing on user interface alone. Leaders emphasized that for continued acceleration of the mobile Internet, developers and manufacturers should work toward standards-based applications and presentation. Meeting user expectations throughout the mobile Internet ecosystem will mean replicating the user's wired Internet experience.

Exciting vendor developments in the area of Mobile Internet Devices (MID) represent new opportunities for distribution of entertainment services. These new devices along with ultra-mobile PCs represent significant advancements in processor power and significant reductions in power consumption. Harnessing these powerful capabilities in mission-specific MIDs and services will be another area of focus.

In the US the hunger for mobile Internet bandwidth is emerging as not only a challenge for operators and the regulator but as an opportunity for equipment manufacturers. Spectrum discussions lately have been focused on access to 700 MHz, but simmering in the background is a broader discussion around "white space" spectrum. Solving the technical puzzle for access to this spectrum would seem to be within reach by using cognitive radio technology. 

The more difficult puzzle to solve may be the business model and although this may initially be addressed in the US, the business outcomes could be very applicable throughout the world. Use and re-use of this spectrum in the US comes with a requirement for non-interference to other spectrum users and in this case it's television broadcasters. Will broadcasters have warranted concerns about interference to their services or will their concerns be centered on the threat of a new and potentially competitive content distribution channel?

Today's business models for mobile content delivery are for the most part adjuncts to existing wireless carrier business models. As mobile usage patterns evolve the shift from circuit switched voice to mobile Internet access will mean significant "re-tooling" for many operators and carriers. For new entrants it will be necessary to create business and partner models that can scale to allow for increased user uptake and evolving services. Ensuring that the "back office" user experience is simple and painless will also be key to accelerating growth of the mobile Internet.

Sincerely,
Mobile Internet Trends Editorial Team
editor@mobilenettrends.com
Ph: +1 617-259-2320