Possibly this term is overused, used in the wrong regard, prematurely or all of the above. However the mobile industry has recently (and finally) made it... after years of promise and potential, finally it has arrived.

The mobile world has converged as a result of:

1. The handset capabilities improving to a level that they can be used for more than just phoning and texting someone. It used to be the operating systems were complex and designed poorly, making it to hard to access the internet, download applications etc. The new improvements in user experience design, touch screens etc. make it easy enough for anyone (not just the techy's) to quickly and easily learn and subsequently want to continue using their phones for accessing rich content.

2. The mobile networks have now been able to reach download speeds that could support the devices improved capabilities and deliver an experience for the user that is bearable. (some networks are now struggling with the shear volume of traffic/data requirements at peak times, Smartphones are generating.)

3.  The businesses of the networks are now providing data plans whereby consumers can realistically (and without too much fear) use their handsets for accessing the services that firstly the handsets are capable and the networks support. You can get access to gigabytes of data per month for anything from $20-$50 p/m, usually with a phone included.

There you have it....Convergence.  Now only if it wasn't so fragmented!