It looks like web browsing from mobile phones is going to increase. According to the Strategy Analytics Wireless Media Strategies service
report, "Mobile
Internet Forecast Update 2001-2013," demand for popular content and
services on the web, such as social networks, email, and news sites,
while away from fixed internet connections, will drive consumer spending
on mobile web access products from operators.
As discriminatory charging
for off-portal browsing disappears, data pricing for casual use is
reduced, and the overall browsing experience on 3G feature and
smartphones is improved, usage and spending on mobile web will increase.
Handset browsing has been popular in Japan and Korea to date, but not so
in Western Europe and the US. However, according to Nitesh Patel, Senior
Analyst of the Strategy Analytics Wireless Media Strategies service and
author of the report, "Prospects for mobile web access in Western Europe
and the US have brightened over the last 12 months as the browsing
capability and user experience on handsets improves, and as more
operators introduce flexible low-cost monthly and casual browsing plans
to suit both heavy and casual users. Fundamentally, access to desirable
content on the web, such as social networks, webmail, and infotainment,
will drive demand for internet access products."
have entered into an economic downturn, Strategy Analytics continues to
forecast increased spending on mobile internet access products over the
next few years. During this period we anticipate price competition on
data access from operators, as well as greater consumer adoption of
flexible casual browsing options that meet the needs of a broader base
of cellular users, such as low-priced, daily capped rates."