2008 | This year’s top 10 telecom & mobile ideas

We’re deviating from our regular schedule to bring you the best new business ideas spotted in the last 12 months. We’re convinced that these smart concepts will continue to provide entrepreneurs with plenty of opportunities in 2009! Here’s our pick from the telecom & mobile concepts we covered this year:

1. Fonolo — Online service cuts through phone menus
2. OpenMoko — Community designs phone, inside and out
3. RovAir — Short-term mobile internet for travellers
4. Ushahidi — Citizen journalism, from text message to map
5. SMS Consumatori — Pricey zucchini? Italian government sends food prices by SMS
6. Carbon Diem — Using phones to track carbon footprint
7. CitySense — Nightlife mapping tool uses GPS to reveal hotspots
8. Peek — $100 device is just for email
9. Modu — Modular mobile phone can slip into new roles
10. Bellendoejezo — Cell phone workshops by teenage teachers

Want more? Check out our picks for 10 industries.