Shaping the wireless Internet

(Telephony) Carriers, content providers and other wireless Internet companies have joined forces with wireless data gathering firm Telephia to form a steering committee dedicated to wireless data development. The group aims to help establish industry-wide standardized measurement metrics on wireless data service quality, traffic measurement, mobile commerce and advertising across mobile devices.

“We believe it will help us better provide services to our customers and look toward the future of where we are headed,” said a spokeswoman for Sprint PCS, who is one of about 37 companies involved.

The specific metrics the committee will focus on are improving offerings to attract and retain more subscribers, comparing wireless networks in terms of the delivery of data and Internet services, increasing wireless data usage and maximizing wireless commerce and advertising revenue streams.

The committee had its first meeting November 16 and is expected to meet on a quarterly basis. In addition to exchanging different opinions about the industry and where it is headed, the group reportedly will provide feedback that will aid Telephia in the development of its new products.

Telephia’s initial wireless data quality of service product offering will be available in on a trial basis in early 2001. The company later will launch wireless Internet marketing/usage products, which will provide data on purchase behavior and loyalty of wireless Internet users. The products also will able to look at how the data changes over time and differs across multiple devices and demographics.

Other companies involved with the committee include Amazon.com, AvantGo, Cell-Loc Inc./TimesThree, Nextel Communications, Nuance, OmniSky, PacketVideo, Ticketmaster Online-Citysearch and Virgin Mobile.

“We realize we need to work together. We are just getting started and no one has any hard data, but we are happy to be a part of shaping the industry,” the Sprint PCS spokeswoman said.