Currently, 3G has become a highly discussed topic, and the mobile Internet is also gaining momentum. Many people think that 3G is the mobile Internet. In my opinion, 3G is the most important driving factor for the mobile Internet, but 3G does not equal the mobile Internet.
1. 3G Does Not Equal Mobile Internet
Here, there is a rather confusing question: What is the mobile Internet? My understanding of the mobile Internet mainly refers to the Internet accessed via mobile phones. GPRS/EDGE/3G/WiFi, etc., are channels for accessing the Internet on mobile phones. WAP and WWW are merely forms of page presentation. Although 3G is just an access channel, it is currently the biggest driving factor for the mobile Internet.
Firstly, 3G bandwidth has expanded dozens of times, and smooth bandwidth brings more possibilities for mobile networking applications, such as video calls, mobile videos, mobile online games, etc.
Secondly, in order to promote the development of 3G services, operators will invest heavily to promote the development of more applications, drive the prosperity of the industrial chain, and conduct extensive market promotion to boost user growth.
Thus, the launch of 3G will inevitably drive the development of the mobile Internet. Of course, 3G will also promote the development of computer-based Internet, mainly by increasing opportunities for laptops and netbooks to connect to the Internet.
2. The Mobile Internet Is More Than Just an Extension of the Internet
The Internet is mainly designed for computers, using the www network; the mobile Internet is primarily designed for mobile phones, mainly using the wap network. These two networks are relatively independent. I believe that for the rapid development of the mobile Internet, it must inherit the content and applications accumulated over the past decade of the Internet. From this perspective, the mobile Internet is an extension of the Internet.
Compared with computers, the two key differences of mobile phones are: one, the screen size of a mobile phone is usually no more than 4 inches; any larger would make it difficult to carry in hand or fit into a pocket; two, there is no large keyboard or mouse, instead relying on numeric keypads, small full keyboards, touch screens, and other input solutions. These two differences determine that the mobile phone is a portable device. Currently, the three essential items everyone carries are keys, wallet, and mobile phone. In the future, mobile phones will likely be equipped with RFID chips, making it easy for them to function as both keys and wallets, allowing people to carry only their mobile phones when they go out. A mobile phone carried at all times inherently possesses distinct personal characteristics and can serve as an identifier for personal identity recognition. Mobile phones already integrate functions such as cameras and GPS, and with the support of operators, they have payment capabilities. These features determine that mobile Internet access has greater potential than computer-based Internet access.
These features of mobile phones will inevitably bring about many new business opportunities. With the development of the entire industry, the mobile Internet will exhibit extremely distinctive characteristics.
3. The Mobile Internet is a Different World
Operators are the decisive force in the mobile Internet industry, and currently, the three major operators are actively laying out strategies for the mobile Internet. How to find one's own space in a market dominated by operators is a problem that everyone entering this industry must consider. I have been pondering the strategies of operators. I understand what operators plan to do, but I don't fully grasp what they intend not to do.
The mobile phone industry is still in the Warring States era, with no unified operating system platform in place, and this situation will likely persist for a long time, resulting in a few strong players coexisting. What the operating system vendors plan to do is another issue we need to think about.
Different input/output methods on mobile phones result in an extremely complex variety of phone models, with currently over 3,000 types of phones capable of accessing the Internet. Developing applications for the mobile Internet and adapting them to different phones is a very complicated task. Mobile phone manufacturers also hope to enter the mobile Internet, which is a crucial competitive force.
Internet giants, leveraging their strong content, technology, and brand advantages, are also aggressively entering the mobile Internet, such as Baidu and Sina.
The competition among operators, mobile operating system vendors, mobile terminal manufacturers, Internet giants, and emerging mobile Internet companies determines the uniqueness of the mobile Internet industry.