Social applications driving the mobile web

Social networking, IM and location-based services are driving people to the mobile internet

New research suggests that global mobile web users will jump from 577 million today to over 1.7 billion by 2013.

Juniper Research attributes the growth primarily to surging demand for collaborative applications, and greater penetration of next-generation mobile infrastructure.

Accessing social networking, user-generated content, instant messaging and location-based services on the go will drive more and more people to the mobile web, the report claims.

However, this shift towards the direct-to-consumer model will put pressure on mobile network operators and handset manufacturers to relinquish some of their control over the value chain by opening up networks and devices to third-parties.

"Major web players have already crossed the Rubicon and established themselves in the mobile domain," said Ian Chard, research analyst for Juniper and author of the report.

"This places the onus on mobile network operators and other members of the value chain to form innovative relationships and grab a share of new revenue streams.

"The mobile web 2.0 market is still nascent and business models remain in a state of flux, so there is still time for players to establish fruitful partnerships that build on their strengths and are reciprocally beneficial."

However, Chard warned that "the window of opportunity is closing".

The development of mobile web 2.0 is expected to mimic that of the desktop experience as many applications are being provided at flat data rates or even free of charge, forcing industry players to seek new revenue streams.

Juniper said that the Far East & China region is predicted to be the largest market for mobile web, reaching almost 416 million users by 2013, but the greatest untapped potential for the mobile web is in South America.

• Juniper Research Report: Mobile Web 2.0: Leveraging Location, IM, Social Web & Search 2008-2013