On the Future of Mobile Web

The New York Times reports today that Google's Android seeks to "turn cellphones into the principal portal to a mobile Web." The story goes on to explain that it is unclear whether or not this will be a boon or a threat to Nokia's business, which has seen its "market share, 28 percent five years ago" drop to "barely 10 percent".

Nokia is moving forward with its mobile web efforts through sealing content deals with Universal Music Group as reported by the Wall Street Journal (Subscription required). Nokia has Apple and the iPhone clearly in its sites through these efforts, and hopes that the Universal deal will improve its Ovi (Finnish for "door") web surfing service by providing users with simple one-touch access to videos and music through the mobile web. The Wall Street Journal notes that Nokia's estimates are that the "total market for Internet services to reach €100 billion ($147 billion) by 2010"

Verizon Wireless' recent announcement that it will make its network open to any device adds further texture to the evolving mobile web situation.


The company plans to meet with device and software makers this summer to review its new open service according to the New York Times.

The Times notes:

"Consumers are already able to add software and make purchases online with many cellphones, but often the carriers do not make this easy, preferring instead to highlight their own offerings on phone screens.

The carriers have also been at odds with Silicon Valley companies like Google that want people to be able to use phones in much the same way that they can use any PC for access to the Internet. "

Open Access at Mpayy

These shifting trends in the wireless market only serve to benefit Mpayy and its mobile payment options. The best estimates are that up to 70% of cell phones sold in the US have mobile web usage enabled, even if the users do not take advantage of the service. As the device makers and networks work to make these services more usable and friendly, Mpayy will be there enabling ALL users on ALL networks with wireless web enabled cell phones to make purchases through their mobile phones. More to come...