Telecoms companies are failing to make the most of the growing popularity of the online information-sharing services of “Web 2.0”, according to new research ‘Web re-loaded: Driving convergence in the real world.’ by global consultancy Arthur D. Little.
This new report places users and user generated content in the spotlight yet again. Yet it seems US Telcos have not yet got the Web 2.0 message.
"In order to harness and monetize Web 2.0 the Telcos will have to rapidly address the needs of this community" says Martyn Roetter, Director of Arthur D. Little’s US TIME. "Younger Europeans are already showing their readiness to interact on the move, with 38% of them accessing email from mobile devices, while Google launched Gmail for mobile in November last year. Telecommunications businesses now need to offer access to the established web 2.0 services, for both communication and for the fulfillment of their wider social needs while on the move."
The dilemma Telcos face is whether they should build their own Web 2.0 platforms or engage with established sites such as flickr etc, says the report.
One good example of collaboraiton is the Pontiac Underground site that partnered with Yahoo! and now offers access to all the Yahoo social media sites in one branded place.
Whatever they do, they should do it soon. the race goes to the swift and The Cluetrain is not waiting for the laggers.
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