Mobile Internet tipping point yet to arrive … but it’s close

So for the last 2 years I’ve been saying that the end of 2009 will be the Mobile Internet’s real growth spurt; that is when we will see a growth and hype somewhat akin to the hey-day of “The internet is going to change the world hype”.

Of course we all know now that the internet IS changing the word, but some of the claims at the time were a little misguided.

However, I stand by my end-of-2009 date because to kick-start the mobile internet it will require that EVERYONE has bundled inclusive data on their tariff – EVERY tariff. Doest matter which tariff; EVERY tariff.

To truly kick-off, it will also have to happen over large expanses of the developed world (e.g. the U.S. and the whole of Europe) and ultimately for many service to work (which are, afterall, global services such as Rummble) then data roaming is going to have to be bundled too.  Thats still a little way off, and perhaps why even end of 2009 might be slightly eager on my part; but, I’m an optomist. I already get 100mb globally of bundled data with my Blackberry – so this stuff is possible.

Anyway, the reason that triggered this post was Vodafone’s announcement that it’s bundling unlimted (well, 500mb) data as part of ALL its tarrifs. Three cheers for Vodafone (there’s something I never thought I’d write). Seriously, its a major step forward and one that is long overdue but extremely welcome.

Well done Vodafone; brownie points from me.   Lastly, the UKs alleged most visited mobile sites (on Vodafone handsets) make for interesting reading:

Top 10 mobile internet sites on VMI (ranked by most visited first)

1. Facebook
2. Google
3. BBC
4. MSN
5. Bebo
6. Sony Ericsson
7. Yahoo
8. MySpace
9. Windows live Hotmail
10. YouTube

Facebook above the Beeb?  What is the world coming too…

More Mobile Network Operator Mobile Data Woes

I posted this on MomoLondon today in an effort to understand how any MNO can roll out such a policy and think it is sane / sensible / will work / will grow their data business …

Can anyone explain to me why if I access the internet on my Blackberry one way (e.g. via O2 actives homepage) I get charged, but if I access the mobile internet another way (via “Blackberry bookmarks”) I don’t ?!  Even if accessing the same webpage – e.g. Google.

Another stunning example of wholly opaque pricing and usability from the MNO’s.

Momo Crackberry users, be warned. I have received £600 bill for data for one month, because I apparently accessed data via the wrong APN.

Apparently one pay’s for data via “mobile.o2.co.uk” but not  via “blackberry.net”.  Frankly, this is a joke.  I dont remember being quoted “100 mb of inclusive data provided you use the correct APN”. 

To be fair to O2 they have reimbursed me for the confusion, provided going forward I make sure I use the right APN; and I commend them for making the right decision on this.

There may be a good technical or other reason, why it is like this; but that is not the point.  Don’t give inclusive (albeit capped) data packages, but then apply a string of confusing criteria to the deal. Data is data. Sorry, but I dont care about the complexities of an MNO’s network or international roaming deals.  I am paying for an inclusive, international 100mb of data for email and browsing. That is what I expect to receive, without strings attached.