The Network Effect on a Cellular World
http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2012/Cell-Internet-Use-2012/Key-Findings.aspx
The Web started as a very limited and inaccessible entity. As technology became more and more available, the evolution of the Web progressed more and more. In today’s age, it is a very rare occurrence when one does not have access to the Web, let alone access via a cellular device. As of April 2012, approximately 90% of all U.S. adults own some sort of cell phone. What does this mean in terms of the developing Web? Given that 90% of adults in the U.S. own a cell phone, it has also been noted that more than half of the users use their device to go online. Since 2009, this rate has increased by almost 25%. In addition, 31% of the bunch that go online with their phone report that they mostly go online using their cellular device. This means that, yes, they use their cell phone to go on to the Web more than any other device, including a computer, tablet, etc.
While the main reason for this phenomenon is certainly the increased accessibility of technologies at a lower cost (see: price of smart phones and competitive balance decreasing), another large portion of this conversion can be attributed to social networks and the direct-benefit principle. With the initial emergence of smart phones, many flocked to the BlackBerry for easily accessible Internet, instant messaging through the messenger, and increased trouble shooting compared to other phones. Now, however, more and more people are gravitating toward companies that provide 3G and 4G services and more compatibility with people that also hold the same power in their hands. Even in the corporate world, iPhones and Droids become more and more popular as their services grow larger and more efficient than that which older smart phone companies like Blackberry can offer. The positive externalities involved in network effects should always be a consideration when analyzing any situation in the growing technological world.
-sia8