Mobility Technology and Marketing: Discussion 1

Smart phones have had the greatest single impact on mobility technology of the 21^st century. Cell phones grew and certainly changed the way people communicate with one another but once these devices became 'smart', it changed the way businesses and companies market and function. Smart phones have gone from having a 3G connection to an industry current best, 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) infrastructure (Kickham, 2012). The stronger and more dependable the network, the greater the capabilities are for consumers to be able to experience content while away from home. It seems to be that just about any commercial break on television is including at least one commercial for a cellular service provider claiming to have the best and most dependable network. The effort is warranted as cell phones are being produced with as much anticipation each year as there has been for any other product.

With the expanding LTE coverage across the nation, businesses need to begin to exercise mobile campaigns to reach the market of smart phone users. Social media is experienced via mobile devices and video content is streamed as well. Sports organizations live stream their content for mobile devices as well as deliver customized news alerts to users. While television contracts remain to be most important revenue source for sports leagues, mobile solutions are a growing need. While mobile capabilities might not over take television needs, there is a clear dissent for the raising prices of cable subscriptions due largely in part to the expensive sports subscription rates. Mobile devices allow for cable providers to be able to provide live content via a cable service subscription. This allows fans and consumers to view live content at work, on the road, at a party or anywhere else outside of their home.

Kickham, V. F. (2012). SMART PHONES AND TABLETS STILL DRIVE GROWTH. Electronic Design, 60(1), 90.