Spending on wireless data, mobile phones to increase, report finds

Spending on wireless data is likely to double over the next four years, from about $43 billion in 2009 to nearly $93 billion in 2013, industry experts predict.

The Telecommunications Industry Association's (TIA) latest market review, released Thursday, also forecasts mobile internet use on smartphones to grow exponentially over the next few years.

Combined, that could create the need for more communications infrastructure -- including the construction of new, efficient reception towers -- that could ultimately spur more innovation in the industry, and more economic growth writ large, analysts said.

“In business, information is the most precious commodity,” TIA President Grant Seiffert said in a statement, reaffirming the importance of spending on cell phones and their internet services.

The TIA's report spells good news for the telecommunications industry, specifically those who innovate in the smartphones market. Penetration of mobile devices now hovers at 90 percent, and experts -- including the TIA report -- expect that number to surge to an unprecedented 95 percent by 2013.

The shift is further correlated with the increasing popularization of the Blackberry, iPhone, Android and other advanced phones. More than ever, users are connecting with each other using their phones' Internet plans, accessing Web sites like Facebook and even purchasing goods on mobile Web -- creating new opportunities for businesses.

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