Two-thirds of the entire world is now connected to a mobile device, according to GSMA Intelligence. That equates to over 5 billion users! So mobile technology has more than arrived in this modern world, and we want to explore how it is transforming business today.
But, what is mobile technology exactly? And, what new mobile technologies are on the horizon which can aid business owners?
Well, let’s take a look at mobile technology, from its basic definition, right through to modern examples of how it’s shaping our business landscape. If you’re a business owner and want to make use of the latest mobile technology trends, please read on.
What Is Mobile Technology?
Put simply, mobile technology refers to any computing device that’s portable. However, the way we generally perceive mobile technology today concerns smartphones and tablets. You could also include notebooks and other similar devices.
There’s also a rise in the Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as smartwatches. The common thread between all such devices is they can connect to the internet. And, since these devices connect to the internet, we can refer to them as wireless technologies.
We can also say that all of these devices are in essence mini-computers. So, they all support different platforms and applications (apps).
Mobile Network Types
Right now, there are five types of notable mobile networks to know about. The latest innovation in wireless network technology is 5G. It is the 5th generation in mobile technology, which explains the name.
What’s special about 5G is it uses high frequencies which deliver more bandwidth than 4G. Thus, you can receive more data in a shorter timeframe. In practice, this means you can stream high-resolution videos and games ten times faster than 4G.
4G is the standard, right now at least, for wireless communication. It is ten times faster than 3G, but it’s clear we are all anticipating the widespread dispersion of 5G technology in our societies.
Then, of course, we have WiFi, which makes use of radio waves to connect your devices to the internet. In general, you do need access to local routers for WiFi to work. There is also the advent of satellite internet on the horizon, with one example being Elon Musk’s Starlink, which they are developing right now.
Next, we have Bluetooth, which connects mobile devices at short distances. It does this by using short-wavelength radio waves. Some of the most common applications for Bluetooth are wireless headphones and speakers, for example.
Last, of all, there are cellular networks, which allow us to use our cell phones to make calls and send text messages. These use cell towers and radio networks to function in the form of mobile telecommunications.
Mobile Technology and Business
First off, mobile technology has made business and consumer relationships much stronger than ever before. Since so many people have access to internet-connected mobile devices, businesses have a vast amount of ways they can connect with their customers, and advertise to potential ones.
Thus, most businesses have at the very least created mobile-friendly websites. Many have also developed mobile applications for their brand that customers can download. This way, customers have an immersive and direct connection with the business.
Verification in Mobile Telecommunications
It’s still common practice for companies to utilize cellular networks to their advantage. After all, these networks are far-reaching, to the point where businesses can reach out to customers that aren’t connected to the internet, nor have a smartphone.
When a business is successful in gaining a mass of new customer phone numbers, it’s always good news! However, one issue companies had was if they sent a text out to any of these numbers, many of them would bounce!
So, in actuality, it may have seemed that many of the numbers could have been fake, or even those of scammers. However, in recent times, new mobile verification technology has solved this issue.
A good example where a company can use mobile verification is at the checkout phase on their website. Before the customer can buy a product from you, they have to enter their number.
You can then verify this person’s identity before you allow them to carry out the transaction. Voila! Check out this complete guide if you’re interested in such technology.
Key Benefits of Mobile Technology for Business
Here is a quick summary of the key benefits you might gain by using mobile technology in an effective manner:
- It provides you with a simple and efficient technique to promote your company to important clients or consumers
- You can engage customers in real-time with incentives and offers
- Apps are thought to save staff effort by shortening hardcopy newsletters and SMS messages
- Apps serve as a continual reminder of your company’s existence
- Expanding your visibility with apps successfully reinforces your brand
Furthermore, apps offer a variety of services, including basic information, booking forms, pricing descriptions, news feeds. They can also provide search capabilities, and much more. This implies that your clients will have easy access to any information you choose to give them.
Although, as we mentioned, cellular network technology still has many powerful uses as well. Plus, there are also many applications for Bluetooth technology that you can use to improve your business.
Mobile Technology for Business Explained
By now, you should have a decent understanding of the question first posed: what is mobile technology?
There are countless ways that developers are creating for companies to use mobile technology to their advantage. Whether it’s cellular network developments, online apps, or innovative Bluetooth solutions, there’s a lot to check out!
So thanks for reading this guide! To keep updated with the latest mobile technology developments, check out our main blog for regular updates.
