EBay calls for UK government mcommerce support

EBay recently called upon U.K. policymakers to support the growth and development of the mcommerce industry, which bring a reported £50 billion into the national economy. The online retailer submitted its Mobile Manifesto to the government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport, outlining its plans to improve digital communications in the U.K. by keeping it at the forefront of the government's public policy agenda.

The Mobile Manifesto was created after eBay research found mobile shopping could add £4.5 billion to Britain's economy by 2016, and another £13 billion by 2021. The research also showed 36 percent of U.K. consumers shop on their mobile phones while travelling, thus, improving network coverage would enhance the industry. EBay urged the independent communications regulator, Ofcom, to quickly introduce the next generation of broadband in 2013, which eBay hopes will improve national mcommerce.

To prepare the manifesto, eBay brought together retailers, network operators, industry bodies and consumer groups to discuss the future of mobile commerce and how retailers should be prepared for the evolving shopping environment.

“Three’s 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 U.K.," said David Dyson, CEO of Three's U.K. mobile operator. "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.”