Still lots of hype for mobile banking

When will mobile banking truly take off? Well, most banks are counting on it at some point, and we can debate it ad naseum. Technology research firm ABI Research has entered the fray with some new estimates. While only about 400,000 mobile banking users existed in 2007, that number rose to 3.1 million in 2008, reports Wireless Week. The firm predicts that by 2009, the numbers of subscribers will more than double, hitting the 7 million mark, and rise to 32 million by 2013.

The number of U.S. banks offering mobile banking may hit 614 this year, about 4 percent of banks. That's more than the 245 that offered such services in 2008 (Aite Group), the magazine notes. One question now is whether the on-going carnage in the banking industry will affect the "mobilization" of banking. Bank of America had been really committed to the idea, and it would be a shame to see its efforts slowed.

For more:
- here's the Wireless Week article

Related Articles:
A much-needed bank industry success
Bank of America reaches one million active mobile banking customers
Really? Goldman to open an online bank?