There isn’t a separate web for mobile devices to plug into.  It is the same web that desktops use. It is the mobile device that has special requirements. The “mobile web” is the web as viewed through a mobile phone.

Mobile devices require simpler websites, smaller in size and with few graphics. These are versions of websites that are compatible with the limited capabilities and small screens of cell phones. A separate mobile website is needed to deliver an optimized experience for mobile users.

Bandwidth: The mobile web is lighter than the normal web because of technology limitations. Desktops connect to the internet through a stable more robust connection. Mobile devices by their nature have to connect on the move.  Connections are transferred from cell-tower to cell-tower and are affected by carrier coverage.  This makes mobile devices limited in terms of bandwidth.

Device types: Devices used to connect to the mobile web vary widely. This creates challenges to create website for phones with different capabilities, features and restrictions. W3C and the mobile industry have been working to standards and best practices to improve the ability for cell phones to view web content.

Audience: People who use the mobile web do have different needs. They view the web on the go. In general there are needs a mobile user will be one of the following.

1. Urgent: Looking find something specific fast. This may be directions or a place to eat.
2. Bored: Casual surfing while commuting or between meetings.
3. Repetitive: Looking for the same type of information over and over such as weather, traffic reports or stock quotes.

Related posts:

1. What are Mobile Websites?
2. Mobile Web Marketing Will Be Huge!
3. Marketing your small business on the mobile Web
4. Mobile Websites: Ten Big Mistakes You Should Avoid
5. Designing a Website for the Mobile Web