A decade ago, the mobile phone was considered an item that many could neither afford nor really need. Today, it has become so much more affordable and a companion that one cannot do without. Convenience, combined with the advent of “killer applications”, are essentially driving the mobile phone’s change in status. With a call or SMS, one can communicate with friends and loved ones, or talk business almost anytime, anywhere.

This AFP photo shows the new Pomegranate phone, which plays music, takes photos, browses the Web, doubles as a harmonica and a shaver, and even brews coffee. Despite the seemingly endless uses of the mobile phone, the tool is not perfect.

The mobile phone has evolved from being a mere communications tool to many other things. As it becomes more powerful with a larger processor, bandwidth and storage, new uses for the phone have been discovered. Beyond the camera, MP3 player and GPS, one can connect to free-to-air TV stations on some newer models. There are even possibilities of the mobile phone serving as an electronic payment device, a personal key tool through RFID or Bluetooth technology, and a form of identification such as holding one’s driver licence or medical history. With support for Wi-Fi, 3G and WiMax technologies, consumers are increasingly using the mobile phone to access the Internet, e-mail and thousands of Web services. The development in mobile Web 2.0 applications has now made possible social networking, blogging and picture and video sharing on the mobile platform.

Despite the seemingly endless uses and benefits of the mobile phone, the tool is not perfect. Like many bustling industries, the mobile phone has become a target of fraud and abuse.

Spam, which has long been the bane of e-mail users, has now reached mobile phones – with the difference that there are no “unsubscribe” or “block sender” buttons to click on. Junk SMS has proliferated in recent years, especially in countries where mobile marketing has taken off. It rides on the tide of popularity in text messaging while sparking off a flood of customer complaints to cellular operators. Phone spam is frustrating to users and a threat to mobile marketing, as most consumers are put off by these “intrusions” into a very personal space – their mobile phone. Also on the rise are identity theft and phishing scams, which are simply attempts to trick a person into revealing personal information such as credit card details or bank account information by sending an e-mail with a fake Web address or telephone number. There will certainly be more attempts to capitalise on the popularity of the mobile phone through illegal means for monetary gains.

So, stronger and more effective methods are needed to protect consumers. Many mature markets have already developed regulations or formed special committees to combat spam and scams through telecommunications tools. In Malaysia, the move to mandate prepaid mobile phone subscribers to register is commendable, although not entirely foolproof. It is also hoped that mobile service providers and network operators will be equally proactive to introduce more security features to deter scammers and help safeguard the credibility of the fledgling industry.