What mobile can do

Mobile and web technologies are getting more sophisticated. Younger users especially are embracing new sources of entertainment and social networking that are converging on to a single device.

A research report on media literacy among children (Ofcom, 2006) found that around one third of 12-15 year olds have direct experience of creating ring-tones and play-lists. Around half have already, or would like to, set up their own website. The majority of adults have yet to explore functions beyond voice calls, alarm clock, camera and texting.

We want new services to benefit our customers in useful and fun ways. This year Telefónica O2 UK’s ‘50 To Watch in Mobile’ competition, which picks out the most innovative rising companies in the industry, was topped by Yospace, a company that lets mobile users share their homemade video footage and web diaries via mobile.

As early as 2010, we expect all mobile handsets to carry email and web capabilities. This development has already proved invaluable to police, nurses and emergency workers, as well as to companies who need joined-up operations on the move.

We think there is an opportunity to tackle other social challenges too. Integrated ‘telematics’ systems may soon let us adjust home heating and lighting from afar; medical staff can remotely check how patients are responding to treatment; and sensors may link mobile phones to technology that can check and control pollution and traffic congestion.

With Europeans spending so much more of their work and leisure time online, we think developments in mobile and high-speed broadband will offer many benefits in our increasingly connected world.