Mobile Internet Content Coalition petitions FCC to promote open mobile Internet
The Mobile Internet Content Coalition, consisting of 4Info Inc., Myxer Inc. and mobileStorm Inc., is petitioning the Federal Communications Commission in support of opening up the mobile Internet.
The MICC?s comments to the FCC, drafted by law firm Arent Fox LLP, take a stand in favor of providing ?consumers access to the content of their choosing without improper interference by wireless providers.? The MICC also proposes that SMS and MMS also be considered under the umbrella of the mobile Internet.
"The key message is that the importance of open Internet issues extends beyond the wired world, and that these issues have material impact on mobile business and the growth of the wireless economy," said Kirsten McMullen, director of marketing at 4Info, San Mateo, CA. "Our goal is to make it easy for consumers to get the mobile content they want, and to protect their right to access that content on their mobile phones.
"It should be as easy for consumers to access the mobile Internet and other mobile content as it is for them to access the wired Internet," she said.
"[If successful,] I would expect to see more competition in the industry, development of innovative new services and an expansion of mobile marketing opportunities for business."
The MICC document features the sections ?Wireless carrier control over content on the mobile Internet is unnecessary, inappropriate and stifling? and ?Commerce on the mobile Internet should be as free and open as commerce on the wired Internet.?
Mobile Marketer?s Dan Butcher interviewed Jeff Sass, vice president of business development and chief evangelist at Myxer, Deerfield Beach, FL. Here is what he had to say:
What are the most important points that the MICC is highlighting for the FCC?
The MICC wants to stress to the FCC that we believe that the mobile Web should be treated simply as the Web, with the same openness enjoyed by desktop computing.
Access to the Internet from a mobile device should be open and unfettered, and a consumer should have the choice and control to access and consume any content they may desire, including SMS-based content, from any source, without interference by the Internet service provider.
Any open standards and practices that would be applicable to the wired Web should also be applicable to the wireless Web. This includes ad-supported content, as well as reasonable options for transacting for paid content.
What does the MICC hope to accomplish with this petition?
The MICC hopes to make sure that the FCC is aware of the issues and the fact that in addition to consumers, there are many innovative, entrepreneurial companies, such as the companies in the MICC, who would be negatively impacted by practices that stifle openness and restrict free consumer choice.
If successful, what would it mean for the mobile marketing industry?
In the world of technology, ?open? generally leads to more competition and innovation, and competition and innovation generally lead to more, better and more cost-effective choices for the consumer.
We have seen amazing creativity and innovation sparked by the open Internet.
Things that have changed the world we live in and the way goods and services are marketed.
The lines have continued to blur between the mobile Web and the Web, and an open Internet will help ensure that mobile marketers can continue to innovate and creatively reach mobile consumers in ways that are both impactful and respectful.
In an open environment, mobile marketers will be able to stay focused on results and what consumers really respond to.