RE: Moblie web split

Although I understand the motivation to maximize revenue by focusing on the developed countries, it MAY be useful to encourage business development in poor countries because they CAN be fertile ground for innovation! In these countries, the wireline infrastructure is so poor so that the wireless infrastructure is usually more robust. Since "necessity is the mother of invention" couldn't a case be made that investment in wireless infrastructure in poor countries could fuel a considerable "brand" of innovation that might NOT occur in developed countries? This innovation can indeed motivate its application in developed countries. SMS is a good example which demonstrates how less-developed countries have been far ahead of the US in using a service.

The example of microcredit<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microcredit> may offer a helpful analogy that demonstrates how "a little can go a long way" so perhaps this principle can be applied to wireless infrastructure as well.

From: public-bpwg-request@w3.org [mailto:public-bpwg-request@w3.org] On Behalf Of gina@alierra.com
Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2008 12:18 PM
To: public-bpwg@w3.org
Subject: Moblie web split

Hello,

Recently, I've read about the split occured in the mobile web industry regarding its business orientation on developed countries or its opposition. The problem is that the divide between rich and poor countries is widening with every year, and it completely determines human interests and needs.
The reason of the split is the fact that the majority of companies working with or in mobile web industry focuses on the requirements of the rich (developed countries), absolutely ignoring the needs of the poor. However, some poor countries tend to become developing in a short while and are able to undergo necessary economical changes. Such countries can be the additional revenue for mobile web industry on the one hand, and on the other hand mobile web industry can improve economical positions and support these countries.

In your opinion, what are the ways to avoid mobile web split?

Regards,
Gina Travis                  Alierra Design Company
gina@alierra.com<mailto:gina@alierra.com>        http://www.alierra.com