343
Copyright © 2010, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited.
Chapter 18
A Comparative Review of
Handheld Devices Internet
Connectivity Revenue Models
to Support Mobile Learning
Phillip Olla
Madonna University, USA
INtRoduCtIoN
There has been a phenomenal evolution of mobile
technology over the last decade and the voice ca-
pabilities have evolved from a niche technology to
an indispensable service. Consumers have adopted
mobile voice technology into all facets of their daily
lives (Mohr, 2006). In addition to the widespread
diffusion of mobile phones, a broadband evolution
has occurred in the developed world, due to the
proliferation of technologies such as fiber, cable
modem, and broadband wireless services. The dif-
fusion of broadband along with the innovation in
handheld devices has led to the growth in Mobile
learning. There are an abundance of scenarios of
learning with mobile technologies. Personal digital
Assistants (PDA), Smartphones, and mobile phones
are frequently used technologies for mobile learn-
ABStRACt
This chapter provides a survey of mobile broadband revenue models deployed by mobile network op-
erators in the UK, USA and Canada. The survey of exiting revenue models highlights the technology
adoption trends for handheld devices by consumers and identifes the future impact of these trends on
the network operators and content providers with respect to educational content. This article focuses
on innovations in consumer propositions that can support the Mobile Learning phenomenon. The study
reveals that the various operators aim to differentiate their consumer propositions by branding, tech-
nology devices, and fexible pricing structures. From the results of the study it is clear that the current
continuous convergence of multimedia applications, information services, digital networks, and devices
will likely lead to an increase in adoption of Mobile learning systems in the UK, Canada and the USA
especially as the price per bandwidth drops and new innovative connectivity options are deployed such
as built in mobile broadband processor in laptops and consumer devices.
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-61520-761-9.ch018