Mobile Content Bits: Texting Rates; Massive 3G Growth In U.S.; MapQuest App; Taptu Search; Mobixell

imageVerizon (NYSE: VZ) and AT&T (NYSE: T) claim wireless market is competitive: The two largest U.S. wireless carriers responded to U.S. lawmakers, who are concerned that the four largest cell phone companies doubled their text message rates from 10 cents in 2006 to 20 cents in 2008. Verizon and AT&T said the price increases affected only 1 percent of text messages sent because most consumers bought bundles, which lower per-message costs. (Reuters)

Mobile ad revenues and 3G growth: Park Associates said that revenues for mobile advertising in the U.S. and Canada will grow from $208 million in 2009 to about $1.5 billion by 2013. Smartphones, 3G networks and applications are driving the growth. Parks Associates projects U.S. 3G network data plans will reach 95 percent penetration by 2013, with Canada achieving 70 percent penetration. (Release)

MapQuest takes on Google (NSDQ: GOOG) Maps on iPhone: AOL’s MapQuest has launched an iPhone app. The free app allows you to view a 3D view of the route in landscape mode. That way driving directions can be easily read while driving, although you must swipe to the right to advance to the next turn — the app does not provide turn-by-turn navigation yet. The app also features icons in a carousel that has categories for theaters, gas, etc. That’s where future advertising options may be available. For now, brands listed include Walmart, Best Western and others. (Available here).

Mobixell teams up with Polish operator: Mobixell will be deploying its Wap-based advertising platform called Ad-It on Poland’s Play 3G wireless network. The platform includes inventory management, trafficking, campaign management, business operation and the ad server functions. (Release)

Taptu launches iPhone app: Mobile search engine Taptu today launched an iPhone app that only delivers users with iPhone-friendly and relevant results. The app is available for free and can be found here.

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