This chapter presents a comprehensive review of what has been examined in the past and what needs to be explored in the future concerning mobile government (m-government). As an emerging branch of mobile services, m-government intends to help governments to better serve for the public, the business and non-government organizations with the assistance of mobile technologies. Although m-government originated from electronic government (e-government), it is not just a simple extension in respect to technological developments but a transformation from e-government to m-government. What matters most and is worthy of being further enhanced in this revolutionary process is the improvement of government's mobility instead of up-to-date technologies. That is to say, the shift from e-government to m-government is a game change instead of a gear change.
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At present, m-government is not only seen as the technical assistance to the governance (El-Kiki, & Lawrence, 2006), but also a new paradigm that can transcend its previous service delivery model (Song, 2005; Song & Cornford, 2006). It is believed that, as a competent method for reshaping governance, m-government is capable of bringing target-specific services to mobile audiences and enhancing the mobility of integrated governmental systems. Having transcending the mere potential of mobile technologies successfully, it is not just a supplement to e-government but an updated version with e-government as a basis (Song, 2005).
The current model of m-government contains four main types of relationship: G2C, G2B, G2G and G2E (Mengistu, Zo, & Rho, 2009). Here G refers to government, C refers to citizens, B refers to businesses, and E refers to employees in government organizations. M-government is being largely explored relying on this framework for it is basic yet inclusive. More details will be revealed below as a part of theoretical basis.