Is it just me, or does anyone else share my skepticism about the potential for advertising on cell phones? Apparently the subject is center stage at this weeks CTIA Wireless 2006 Conference in Las Vegas. “How to advertise on mobile search, mobile video, interstitials, opt-in procedures” -- these are the hot topics according to Mark Lowenstein, managing director of mobile consultancy Mobile Ecosystem. With 200 million phones in circulation in the U.S., and 80% of them capable of downloading video, sending text messages and completing other data-enabled functions, the wireless industry thinks there’s a pile of money to be made out there. Well, we’ll see. Personally I use my cell phone to make phone calls, I don’t want to watch reruns of Will & Grace on a two inch screen, and I certainly don’t want uninvited ads popping up when I am using the phone… Yes, I know all this stuff is a big deal in Japan, but so are robot dogs and street vending machines that sell underwear. It’s going to be an interesting couple of years.
We'll throw in call-waiting and a months "We love Lucy!"
Yeah, I agree -- I use my phone for making calls, and that's about it. I don't spend much time "away" from a location where I can't have a decent-sized screen, and the ability to get the information I want when I need it.
But then perhaps I don't live the lifestyle the bulk of the U.S. (or Japan, for that matter) does. I'll certainly keep an eye on the trend, though.
Posted by: JB | April 7, 2006 8:30 AM | Permalink to Comment