WebProNews

Revenues related to mobile search, including ad-sponsored directory assistance and mobile Internet ads are estimated to reach $1.4 billion in 2012, according to the Kelsey Group.

"Advertisers in the U.S. are the most aggressive in terms of messaging to potential U.S. consumers," said Matt Booth, senior vice president and program director, Interactive Local Media, The Kelsey Group.

"Given the relatively high spend levels, we believe advertisers will continue to look into innovative solutions, including mobile, that demonstrate a clear ROI on ad spend."

The level of growth will depend on the mobile search interface according to John du Pre Gauntt, senior analyst at eMarketer. "We're still looking for the category and/or specific interface needed to drive mobile search into the mainstream,' Gauntt said.

Gauntt says the leading mobile search player would offer users a combination of the right information and the ability to act on it.