Category: Mobile Commerce

The most recent statistics are showing that the devices are more common than toilets around the world.

The latest technology news through a recent UN report has shown that there is officially greater access to mobile phones around the world than there is to toilets.

The United Nations report has indicated that the penetration of these devices is greater than that of bathrooms.

According to the statistics within the UN report, there are approximately 6 billion people around the globe who currently have a mobile phone. At the same time, however, there are only 4.5 billion who have access to a traditional latrine or toilet. Though this may seem to be a rather amusing statistic, this technology news has revealed a shocking truth to some of the largest organizations in the world.

The technology news report has unearthed an issue that is not at all funny, though the data may seem to be.

As a result of this technology news, the UN and some of the largest names in the industry – which includes Bill Gates from Microsoft – are coming together to help to solve the “sanitation crisis” that is occurring in many regions around the globe.

This week, the deputy secretary general of the United Nations, Jan Eliasson made a call to action to the people and organizations of the world in order to make urgent changes to eliminate the lack of basic sanitation that is a daily reality for 2.5 billion people, as well as “to change a situation in which more people worldwide have mobile phones than toilets.”

Mr. Eliasson explained his determination to drive action that will lead to positive results based on this technology news. He has addressed his call to all actors, “government, civil society, business and international organizations,” to make a commitment to taking measurable action that would generate the necessary resources and implement them for a rapid boos to the “access to basic sanitation” that is available to people around the world, no matter where they may live.

The technology news was seen as a reality check that led directly to this call to action. According to the UN report, it would not establish any new funding mechanisms or structures. Instead, it would concentrate on creating action, one community at a time, at that level.

Mobile commerce is picking up momentum

Mobile commerce is growing rapidly and that growth does not appear to be slowing down any time soon. The current state of mobile commerce suggests a bright future, largely due to the proliferation of mobile technology and the perceived convenience of mobile payments. Indeed, mobile devices are beginning to become more popular than PCs. According to a study conducted by  the International Telecommunications Union, as of August 2012, more than 7 billion mobile devices were operating all over the world, exceeding the number of active PCs by three times.

Mobile sales to reach new heights in near future

A recent study from Abi Research suggests that mobile commerce will reach $119 billion by 2015. This is roughly 8% of the current e-commerce market. E-commerce is still considered to be a powerful force, especially in the retail industry, but mobile commerce is benefiting from increased exposure and a growing number of retailers interested in engaging mobile consumers in a new form of commerce. Another study by Forrester Research suggests that mobile commerce in the U.S., in particular, will reach $31 billion by 2016.

US mobile commerce experiences aggressive growth

In the U.S., mobile commerce is experiencing a magnanimous rise to fame. More consumers are beginning to become comfortable with the concept of mobile payments, making them more likely to purchase goods and services using their smartphones or tablets. Mobile traffic to websites is on the rise, powered by growing interests in the realm of mobile marketing. Location-based services are also playing a role in encouraging consumers to participate in mobile commerce as they are able to find stores and attractions more easily, especially while traveling.

Security may derail bright future

While the current state of mobile commerce does paint a bright future, the future is, of course, unknowable. There are many challenges that face mobile commerce that could derail the burgeoning industry’s future. The most significant of these challenges, currently, is security. Without adequate security, a consumer’s financial information is at risk of theft and exploitation. The security dangers inherent in mobile commerce have kept many consumers from conducting mobile payments.