Mobile Advertising - Not If, But When For years now mobile has been generating a lot of buzz. Despite all the hype and anticipation, until recently most people have looked at their phones as just that -- devices for calling people. Texting and ring tones, of course, have been big for awhile, but as a mobile data device phones were lacking. That has changed for people who bought smart phones and data plans, and the iPhone has popularized it. But what's left to get mobile to the next level - ubiquitous use of the web for data?

The things that have been missing are:

1.) Cheap data plans
2.) Powerful-enough low-cost devices
3.) 'Killer apps'

As with the Internet, advertising will be the killer-app for mobile, specifically location-aware advertising and search. The development of the Google phone will accelerate this trend and push it to the fore-front. Imagine the power of location-aware advertisements telling you where the best local restaurants are, based on your preferences, clothing sales that would interest you, people you want to meet, etc.. Advertisers will pay for the opportunity and many people will gladly trade a little privacy for cheaper data and better phones. Within 6 months to a year you will be able to buy data plans cheaply, with advertising part of the package.  ¶ 12:15 PM