The number of subscribers using mobile internet services will rise from 577 million currently to 1.7 billion by 2013, reports suggest. This unprecedented growth will be driven by the demand for collaborative applications known collectively as ‘web 2.0,’ and greater 2.5/3G penetration. Pundits say that established mobile players will face increasing competition from web-based brands and have to adapt their commercial strategies to accommodate greater collaboration with other members of the value chain. According to new reports from Juniper Research, the emergence of applications such as social networking; user generated content (UGC); instant messaging (IM); and location based services (LBS) search calls for delivery of the mobile Internet as it was originally conceived, creating a viable platform in which users are able to share, collaborate and exploit content or information without anyone party controlling the value chain. Ian Chard, Juniper Research Analyst and author of the report titled: “Mobile Web 2.0: Leveraging Location, IM, Social Web & Search 2008-2013,” said major web players have established themselves in the mobile domain, placing the onus on Mobile Network Operators and other members of the value chain to form innovative relationships and grab a share of the new revenue streams being created. “The mobile web 2.0 market is still nascent and business models remain in a state of flux, so there is still time for players to establish fruitful partnerships that build on their strengths and are reciprocally beneficial. The window of opportunity, however, is closing”, he added. Source: Daily Guide