FROM ELECTRONIC TO MOBILE COMMERCE: TECHNOLOGY CONVERGENCE ENABLES INNOVATIVE ABSTRACT BUSINESS SERVICES

Mobile Commerce is on a growth track. It is gaining increasing acceptance amongst various sections of the society. This growth can be traced back to technological and demographical developments that have influenced important aspects of the socio-cultural behaviour in today’s world. The need for mobility seems to be a primary driving force behind M-Commerce applications such as Mobile Banking, Mobile Entertainment and Mobile Marketing etc. A major role is thereby played by the ever-increasing convergence of computers and mobile telecommunication devices e.g. cell phones. This article undertakes a thorough examination of the conceptual background and existing regulatory framework of this relatively new business field, in order to provide a systematic and comprehensive understanding of M-Commerce, including its utilities for both consumers and service-providers, so as to make them aware of the new business opportunities arising out of this convergence. For this purpose an overview of innovative mobile services is also provided