Expert offers 4G mcommerce tips

Mobile connectivity is set to continue the radical change that ecommerce has brought about in the retail sector, according to most experts.

The shift from brick-and-mortar stores to online businesses was initially made possible by the rise of ecommerce tools, such as online payment gateways and web-based interactive catalogues.

Mobile broadband internet capabilities have taken ecommerce one step further - now, customers can access their favourite stores from any location.

According to a recent RISMEDIA report, the latest tool for ecommerce evolution can be found in new 4G mobile networks. These networks offer higher speeds than their predecessors, enabling even greater mobile ecommerce functionality, the report said.

Though 4G networks are not yet as fast as Wi-Fi, the report said, they offer the possibility of new functions, such as auto-suggest search bars and one-click checkouts. Nevertheless, due to the limitations of mobile devices, it is still recommended that mobile-enabled ecommerce websites incorporate sleek, streamlined designs.

According to many experts, the rapid rise of ecommerce and mcommerce may eventually see them replace traditional stores as the primary shopping destination for many customers.