Category 2: Best Mobile Services

2 b) Best Mobile Internet Service

The Mobile Internet is the intersection between the promise of broadband and the convenience of mobility. Today, users are able to take their broadband connection with them anywhere they go. Driven by ubiquitous access to an always-on, high speed, high bandwidth connection, mobile is changing the way we work, play, and communicate - and creating a market for a host of new on-line services, applications and content. The convergence of mobile and Web 2.0 technologies and applications is also boosting development of innovative, relevant and compelling Mobile Internet services.

This Best Mobile Internet Service category aims to highlight services that enable users to access the web and related services using mobile devices, such as Mobile Search, Social Networking, E-Mail, Instant Messaging, Multimedia Messaging, news, information, commerce and content sharing portals, for example.

Please Note: Mobile Advertising, Music and Video and gaming related services using the mobile platform should be entered into relevant categories within the Mobile Entertainment Awards Categories, such as (1a) Best Mobile Game (1b) Best Mobile Music, TV or Video Service or (1c) Best Mobile Advertising.

The judges will shortlist five entries in this category, with one winner announced at the GSMA's Global Mobile Awards Gala Dinner at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on the evening of 17th February 2009.

Eligibility

This category is open to companies and organisations that develop, serve or deliver Internet, websites, portals and related services for mobile phones and devices. These may include:

  • Mobile operators
  • Internet service providers and portal developers
  • Content owners & providers such as retailers and service providers
  • Messaging developers and aggregators
  • Media organisations
  • Internet/application developers
  • Vendors

Judging criteria

Entries can only be submitted for products that are commercially available. The product or service entered must have been launched after December 1st 2007 or will be launched before the closing date of the Global Mobile Awards of (5pm GMT) November 28th 2008.

The judges will be looking at how well entries meet the key criteria, as follows:

  • How well has the service met the stated objectives
  • How easy is it to use? (focus on the user experience rather than the user interface alone)
  • How the entry demonstrates creative, compelling networking, messaging, news, information commerce, search or other Internet features relative to the mobile platform
  • Innovation in terms of technical, marketing, features design and usability
  • Brand appeal
  • Use of Web 2.0 technologies and applications
  • How viral is the service?
  • Responsible approaches to protecting users from unwanted, obtrusive or offensive content
  • Evidence of user take up

Entry Forms:

In order to ensure a consistent approach for our judges, entries must be submitted using the Category 2b) Best Mobile Internet Service entry form. Entries not using the web based entry form will not be considered. All entries must be submitted by 28th November 2008 (5pm GMT).

In addition to completing the online entry form, it is strongly recommended that you submit an illustration or demonstration of your service/url so that our judges can see your submitted entry either online or downloaded to a mobile device. You can do this in the following ways:

Provide a website link, or URL of your demo:

Upload screen shots. An upload facility will be provided via a link in your confirmation email once your entry has been submitted. You will have the ability to upload a maximum of 3 files to accompany your entry up to a maximum file size of 10MB each. Files can be either a .jpeg (for pictures), .mpeg (for video) or .ppt for powerpoint.

Specific Entry Form Questions:


  • What is the brand name of your Mobile Internet service? (i.e. the entry)
  • Is this a joint entry? If so. Who are the partnering organisations?
  • Please describe as simply as possible, the nature of the service and the user proposition i.e. how does the service work? Please describe it as accurately as possible (1000 characters = approx 170 words)
  • Which markets or regions is the service available in today? (1000 characters = approx 170 words)
  • When was the service launched? What are the objectives? (1000 characters = approx 170 words)
  • How does the service provide a good user experience? (1000 characters = approx 170 words)
  • How does your entry demonstrate creative, compelling networking, messaging, news, information commerce, search or other Internet features relative to the mobile platform? (1000 characters = approx 170 words)
  • Please explain what is Innovative in terms of breakthrough appeal, marketing or user interfaces i.e. use of web 2.0 technologies and applications? (1000 characters = approx 170 words)
  • What would you describe as it's brand and 'cool' appeal, what is the USP for users? (1000 characters = approx 170 words)
  • How vast is the community of interest? (1000 characters = approx 170 words)
  • Are users protected from unwanted, obtrusive or offensive content? How is this service monitored to ensure best regulatory practice? (1000 characters = approx 170 words)
  • Please provide evidence of user take up, or income achieved from the service since the launch period against objectives? (1000 characters = approx 170 words)
  • Please provide a specific url for your service.

Please note: Use URLs when they are specific/ relevant to the category and will help judges further understand your entry, but due to the number of entries received, judges will not have time to surf company websites looking for further information on the entered product/service or initiative.