US is not ready for mobile start-ups

Everybody seems to know that mobile area is “the next big thing”. Start-ups are popping up like crazy trying to develop something “mobile”: mobile social network, mobile dating service, mobile contact list, etc.

I happen to know a few US start-ups in this area which either failed or on the way to fail. Why is that? What is it with US which makes it so hard? We know how cell phones are popular in Asia and Europe, how people get addicted to mobile network there. Why can’t US experience the same? Let me get to the point and explain why US is simply not ready for mobile revolution.

1. Commute habits

Europe and Asia known by high density of population and advanced public transportation systems. People commute for up to an hour each direction, in some cases even more. What they do during commute? They sit trying to isolate themselves from the crowd  and make commute easier by consuming information, playing games, texting and interacting with friends via mobile phones.

How many US workers can do the same? Very little. US people commute in individual cars. It is impossible to focus on cell phone during driving. Especially when it comes to browsing / reading.

2. Infrastructure and living habits

3G networks already widely used in Japan, Hong Kong, Europe, Russia and even India. 3G just starts its path in US. Why such a delay? Infrastructure in US is flat: suburbs and 2-3 story apartment complexes keep  population density on very low level, whereas in Europe and Asia people tend to live in multi-story buildings which makes 3G technology more efficient in terms of ROI.

3. Community aspects

People in Europe and Asia tend to be more community-oriented, than folks in US. Americans known to the world as a nation of individualists, self-centered and all-sufficient. So, communication patterns often stay within family members circle and, maybe, close friends.

In Asia and Europe it’s quite different. People interact with much more wider circle, which makes the phone even more important.

So, unless majoruty of US will be like New York and majority of US population will use public transportation, there is no way mobile applications  will be “the next thing”. So, mobile start-up folks: rethink your business strategy and re-evaluate US market readiness.