Analysts at UK-based
ARC Group
say in a new report that the wireless industry is
showing us the future of the Internet.
Pointing out that the number of mobile subscribers
in 1999 (428 million) already greatly exceeds the number
of Internet users (241 million), the report’s authors
suggest that wireless will beat the “fixed Internet” by
becoming more user-friendly.
“It is well recognised in marketing
circles that consumers do not buy technology, they buy
benefits. They want the benefits of the Internet but
not the Internet for its own sake,” said the report.
“Mobile operators should recognise that they have the
opportunity to take control from the computer industry
in packaging the Internet,” the authors conclude.
According to the ARC Group, the limitations of smaller
screen sizes, restricted bandwidth and higher usage
costs are not necessarily disadvantages. They compel
content providers to simplify their offerings — to the
benefit of users.
The ARC Group’s latest report is entitled “Wireless Internet:
Applications, Technology and Player Strategies (1999-2004).”