Mobile phone adoption is grow­ing in spite of the economy

There were more than 267 mil­lion mobile phone users in the US for the third quarter of 2008 − a 6% increase over the fourth quarter of 2007, which saw 251 million users, according to the Mobile Advertis­ing Report published by Limbo and GFK/NOP Research.

As a result, mobile broadband is transitioning into a mainstream service, according to a new report from international research firm Parks Associates.

Mobile Broadband: Beyond the Cell Phone predicts that the num­ber of US mobile broadband users will increase by more than 200% by 2013. The report also expects more than 60 million smartphones to be sold in 2013. read more

Advertisers and Charities are "All Thumbs" in 2009

According to Nielsen Mobile, we know the typical U.S. mobile subscriber sends and receives more SMS text messages than telephone calls. Be honest. Do you know anyone (with a pulse) who doesn't have a mobile phone? They may not all be "textperts" but we all know the audience is huge and growing rapidly (roughly 500% increase in two years).

The big advertisers are paying attention: Coke engaged over 1 million mobile customers in Q3 of 2008 for the My Coke Rewards program.

Politicians are listening: Obama revealed his pick for running mate via SMS (text message) to millions of anxious mobile subscribers.

Hotels are getting heads in beds: Marriott reported more than $1.25 million in gross revenue in the first 100 days since the hotel chain introduced direct mobile Web bookings.

Restaurants are putting mobile where the mouth is: Papa Johns Pizza reported $1million in revenue from mobile phone pizza orders in just 6 months.

Charities, however, may be the biggest winners: According to 2009 forecasts, charities will benefit from micro giving. Donors who normally write checks or call in with a credit card can now text in a donation and leave their wallet and checkbooks alone. 2008 marked the first year a non-profit organization could receive a donation via text message without the carriers taking a cut. The result? Donations made via mobile phones this first year surpassed all donations made online in its first year (1997). Annual online donations have grown to a whopping $10 billion for 2007, but you can expect exponential increases for mobile giving as well.

According to Nic Covey, Chicago-based director of insights for Nielsen, “The text-message audience is there, it’s now up to marketers to create a reason that consumers would want to relate to them through such a personal and immediate medium."

In addition to the core financial needs facing non-profit organizations, Causes have struggled with the perception that they are simply advertisers trying to sell us something. The audience is there. The means to communicate are in place. Now it simply comes down to the Message.

This is what has us here at MobileCause so excited. It's the ability for causes to reach a large audience with a convenient, timely message and allow them to interact and give wherever they are.

What will that Message be? We'll keep you posted.

The audience is all ears.
...and all thumbs.

“There has never been an easier way to donate to a good cause”

Big Brothers Big Sisters implements new technology that allows donations to be made via mobile phones

Kansas City, Mo. -- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City announces today, that they will be among the first non-profits in the country to use mobile phones as a way to contribute financial gifts via text messaging.

BBBS-KC has partnered with MobileCause and the Mobile Giving Foundation to offer this technology to their members and supporters. BBBS-KC has partnered with the Mobile Giving Foundation to provide another avenue for individuals to help match kids in Kansas City with adult role models and friends. Interested people simply text the word give (G-I-V-E) to the number 20222 from their mobile phone. They will instantaneously be sent an opt in message in which upon approval will donate $5 to BBBS-KC. The $5 fee will be added to their mobile phone bill at the end of the month. Each user may text this message up to five times per month.

“There has never been an easier way to donate to a good cause,” Micheal Lawrence, Executive Director of BBBS-KC said. “By simply texting us you will be donating $5 to our agency. A small amount, that over time will add up for our agency, allowing us to reach more children. We urge any one out there that has ever been a Big, a Little, or a friend or family member of a Big or Little to help support us in this small donation that could go a long way.”

Giving Predictions for 2009

Charlene Li of Forrester Research (and co-author of Groundswell) just released her emerging media predictions for 2009. At the top of the list? A mention of Charitable Giving:

Non-profits will recognize the potential of bringing on these virtual community organizers, especially their ability to raise money in tiny increments in a down economy. So despite a raging recession, charitable giving will new numerous new -- albeit smaller -- sources of contributions.

read more

Boomers and Kids on Mobile

Yes, once again I'm posting a bunch of stats, but bear with me. Things are changing so quickly in this industry it's critical that you and your clients have the latest research on demographics and usage.
We know kids are using their phones for texting and entertainment, but what about their parents and grandparents? Is there a market for the Boomers (ages 45-64) or does the mobile industry simply sidestep an entire generation with the largest disposable income in history?
These stats from Nielsen Mobile (and eMarketer) show that texting has now surpassed voice calls for everybody age 44 and younger and the boomers are not far behind.


Although Boomers still prefer their PC over a mobile phone for overall usage (51% to 21%) there is some significant growth in this area. Soccer moms and grandparents are smart enough to know they need to connect with their kids and grandkids and although they may have trouble seeing that hopelessly teeny screen, when it comes to mobile phones and texting, they're all thumbs.