eBay will today submit a Mobile Manifesto to the Government, which sets out what the industry and policymakers must do to support the UKs growing digital communications economy.
The document raises seven key areas, and is a result of research commissioned by the company, which reveals that consumers are being held back from spending on their mobile because of frustrations to with browsing and shopping.
45 per cent of the 2,000 consumers questioned say they are dissatisfied with the speed at which they can download data on a mobile, while 73 per cent say they would spend more on their mobiles if retailers sites were optimised.
68 per cent say they have concerns about giving personal details over a mobile connection – and most say network providers are responsible for addressing their concerns in this area.
The seven action areas set out by eBay are:
- Faster mobile broadband, better coverage
- Supporting cross-border trade
- Optimising for mobile
- Mobile and local (mobile technology enabling local services)
- Mobile payments
- An open mobile internet (net neutrality)
- Skilling up for next generation mobile
eBay is urging Government to accelerate the auction of the 4G spectrum, to enable the rollout of next-generation broadband in 2013.
David Dyson, CEO of Three UK, says: “Threes customers make the most of their smartphones, but a fear of high data roaming charges force them to limit their internet use the moment they leave the UK. High wholesale charges mean high roaming prices. We stand with eBay in calling for the European Commission to cap wholesale data charges at 3c or less and lead the world in making the mobile internet accessible wherever consumers want to use it.” 
In the development of the Mobile Manifesto, eBay brought together retailers, network operators, industry bodies and consumer groups to discuss the future of mobile.
Rosie Srao, mobile business development manager at Marks & Spencer, says: “Our customers are increasingly using their mobiles to make shopping more convenient and easy while they are on the go and its up to us to make sure that we make the customer journey as simple, fast and engaging as possible.”
Miriam Lahage, VP of global fashion at eBay, says: “The mobile economy is proving resilient as people increasingly see owning and using a mobile phone as an essential expense, despite cutting back in other areas.
“As smartphone and tablet ownership increases there will be even greater potential rewards for companies investing in mobile, and this is particularly true for retailers. At eBay in the UK we now see around 10 per cent of sales by value transacted on mobile devices, but we need the right infrastructure in the UK to match this demand.
“For retailers, its about putting mobile at the heart of your strategy and creating a site that is optimised for every device.”
Use the #ebaymobilemanifesto Twitter hashtag to contribute to the debate on these issues.
