In big cities and rural villages, the mo- bile phone has become ubiquitous in China. Once the domain of the elite, it now seems that just about everybody has one. China became the world’s biggest mobile market in the final quarter of 2011, representing 22 percent of global smartphone shipments, while the US (formerly the largest market) accounted for 16 percent, according to estimates by Canalys.
　　Although widespread ownership of mobiles is only a fairly recent development in China, consumers here have fully embraced the technology and in some ways are using it more robustly than their American and European counterparts. Among the 1 billion mobile subscribers in China, 40% of them are mobile internet users, despite less advanced networks. Whether it’s kids in Beijing downloading games or adults in Shanghai requiring real-time information about the stock market and the ability to act on it on the go, the mobile Web is becoming an integral part of Chinese life. And over one third of Chinese Internet users are accessed to mobile web only, as they can’t afford a computer or don’t have hardwired Internet, according to a report from mobile research specialist On Device. Companies have acknowledged the significance of the mobile internet, striving for early participation and innovation in the field. After years of infrastructure construction and R&D, all links of the mobile internet industrial chain are becoming mature. Mobile internet has entered a phase of rapid development and consolidation. And new business models could be expected. This issue of Special Report brings information and insights on the status-quo and future development of China’s mobile internet industry.