Wireless providers are now expanding away from mobile phones as the companies shift focus to notebooks and other portable electronics while looking to generate revenue.
Sprint-Nextel, Verizon Wireless and AT&T now are interested in electronic book readers -- Sprint kicked off the competition by creating a partnership with Amazon. AT&T is now working to develop a new satellite-navigation device, as they all look for new companies to create partnerships with.
The number of Americans without a mobile phone has dramatically decreased, which has left providers with the opportunity to cash in on other markets. In the immediate future, it seems like providers will aim at the e-reading market, a niche market that has seen significant growth. However, other devices will likely prove valuable for the companies moving forward, though their exact targets remain unknown.
Currently, each provider is working on marketing mobile data and texting plans to wireless subscribers. The cost of voice plans has dropped -- causing carriers to increase pressure on consumers to add ancillary services -- and that trend is expected to continue.
Look for digital cameras, portable game devices and digital photo frames to get increased interest -- for now. It's possible wireless utility meters, products in the health care industry, and similar products may receive wireless support.
A major problem facing the industry is the cost of the wireless support, with consumers unlikely to pay yet another bill. Manufacturers and wireless providers will have to figure out ways to subsidize or reduce the cost of the service.
I'm already paying more than $100 per month for my wireless bill -- with many of you paying similar prices, if not even more -- and you'd probably agree that getting charged for yet another service doesn't sound overly appealing.
If your digital camera or other device has the ability to use a wireless carrier to share images and other information on the go, are you interested in making the necessary purchase for wireless coverage?
