Japan's Wireless Internet Use Model for US

Japan's Wireless Internet Use Model for US
The cell phone is a way of life in Japan, and its not just used to make phone calls anymore. Cell phone users in Japan are using their phone for everything -- as alarm clocks, maps, for e-mail, music and more. The United States has thus far lagged behind. Around 55 percent of Japan's population use the wireless Internet, a number that tripled since 2000. Users turn to their phones before their computers to surf the net. Some, especially the younger crowd, see cell phones as an extension of their identity, choosing icons and wallpaper that fits their personality. Students are using e-mail through their phones in class to send questions to professors. Marketers are having a field day as they send ads or coupons to drive sales when business is slow. Though the United States is lagging, many hope it will adopt the wireless Internet as Japan has already done. (Source: Washington Post)

>> And they can keep hoping. While cell phone adoption is underway in the US, some of the data and extension services have lagged miserably behind. Why is that? Well, one of the answers may be the difference in physical space and modes of traversing that space. In the US, metropolitan centers with well developed public transport and good network coverage plus good cell phone data services offerings, can be counted on one hand... well two if you squint a little. A mobile device like a cell phone requires a lot of attention if it is to be used for more than just talking (even txting requires attention). However, users in the US do not have much downtime in attention as they drive their cars from one place to another. I wonder how the adoption games will be played out here... I am certain, however, this country will not mirror japan any time soon.