Predictions Place Number of U.S. Wireless Web Users At 96 Million By 2005

Compiled ByGina Protopapa The number of U.S. wireless Web users will soar to 96 million by 2005, a leap from the 4.1 million users in 2000, predicts market intelligence firm Jupiter Media Metrix, New York. "While the number of people in the U.S. logging on from mobile devices is about to enter a period of rapid growth, the wireless industry must not underestimate the complexity of delivering Web services in a highly competitive and fractured environment," says Seamus McAteer, senior Jupiter analyst. "This means the industry must hold back on ambitious plans to deliver mobile multimedia, and instead focus on delivering simple yet practical interactive services, such as games, short messaging, and location-specific directories -- all of which are viable across multiple networks and narrow bandwidth."