Though I wasn’t able to attend, I tuned in to the most recent MIMA event, where a large portion of the discussion focused on the future of mobile. Panelists argued that businesses and communicators need to prepare for the future – and the future is mobile.
I recently purchased a smart phone, and I wasn’t entirely convinced of the mobile-phenomenon until I read this article. To summarize: almost 1/3 of all Americans do not have access to Internet. Prevented by cost, location or necessary equipment, a significant portion of our country is cut off from an ever-growing means of communicating.
This fact alone brings about a great opportunity for mobile phones (and networks) to become the tool to connect people to one another and others around the world.
Some recent stats:
- More than 85% of Americans have cell phones (New York Times)
- 52% of Americans use cell phones for non-voice related activity on a regular basis, including SMS, email, taking photos or playing a game (Mobile Marketer)
- Approximately 26% get news via cell phones (Daily Record)
Image credit: LiveWellWomen
The beauty of mobile phones is they are not nearly as cost-prohibitive. Pay-as-you-go and family plans offer a cost-effective means of staying connected. Companies, governments and organizations already use text-messaging to stay in contact with their customers and constituents. And, this is only the beginning. Smart phones aren’t a requirement to stay connected, all you need is a phone and a signal.
Mobile coupons from retailers and text-message alerts from city governments are only a few of the ways groups are embracing this mobile movement.
What else have you seen?
What should we expect?
