FCC report says U.S. mobile apps are exploding

On May 22, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released its latest report on mobile competition in Thursday (May 20) to meet its obligations to Congress.　　By the end of 2008, 90% of Americans had a wireless device and had an average of 709 minutes per month using their mobile devices, according to the FCC report. This year's report is the first time the FCC has reported a reduction in voice usage, and a growing reliance on SMS and MMS is one reason for the decline in voice applications.　　In contrast, data traffic has grown significantly as more smartphones offer mobile internet access and other non voice services. In many ways, the explosive growth of mobile-technology innovation is good news for American consumers, FCC chairman Julies Gnakoski said.　　Perhaps there is no industry in our economy that has the potential to lead the 21st century US technology innovation and investment as much as the wireless broadband industry. Android phones and iphones have been very successful in creating applications and service ecosystems, according to the FCC.　　By December 2009, Apple app stores had more than 100,000 apps, and Google's Android Market had 15,000 apps.　　FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell says the wireless industry's merger has produced consumer-friendly results, especially when national and large regional operators have bought small wireless providers serving rural areas. In many cases, McDowell said, these new entities have brought the same services and products in most densely populated areas to consumers in these rural areas, including access to next-generation networks, innovative voice and data programs, and advanced equipment.