Mobile proxies are all the rage among businesses and individuals looking for unrestricted online data access. They provide the same benefits as their regular counterparts but let you collect mobile-related data.
That makes them perfect for web scraping, although they have other applications. Before exploring the most widespread use cases, let’s see what mobile proxies are, how they differ from regular types, and what benefits they provide in data extraction.
Mobile proxies are server applications for routing internet traffic through cellular networks. When you use one to access a website, it sends HTTP requests to the site’s hosting server on your web browser’s behalf using a mobile IP address, hiding yours. The server relays an HTTP response, providing the requested content even if you’re in a restricted region.
Mobile proxy services have extensive pools of IP addresses they’ve leased from mobile network carriers. They help desktop and laptop users appear like mobile users when accessing and interacting with websites.
Regular proxies use leased IP addresses from internet service providers (ISPs) and datacenters. When you use a residential or computer-generated datacenter proxy, website administrators don’t see your IP address but one from that proxy’s server.
Therefore, both proxy types mask your IP address, but their benefits slightly differ. Check them out below.
Whether you choose mobile proxy services offering IP addresses from 4G devices or go with the faster 5G option, you’ll enjoy the following benefits when extracting data from websites.
Scraping the web with a mobile proxy means enjoying a fast, reliable internet connection. Cellular networks offer higher speeds than their computer counterparts, helping you collect more data in less time.
All proxies can bypass geo-restrictions, helping you access accurate localized data. However, some websites like ecommerce stores and other retailers display different content (primarily prices) depending on every visitor’s mobile carrier.
Mobile proxies unlock that localized data, helping you see accurate prices and other dynamic content.
Every proxy can help you get around anti-scraping systems like CAPTCHA tests, login requirements, and honeypot traps. However, mobile types are nearly impossible to get an IP ban because multiple users can share one mobile IP address.
That’s because of the CGNAT technology. Mobile network carriers use the Carrier-Grade NAT (Network Address Translation) tech to address the shortage of IPv4 addresses. Would a website admin block you if they detected your mobile IP address? Unlikely. Otherwise, they could restrict access to hundreds or thousands of users sharing that address.
Websites may not even display CAPTCHAs or lure you into their honeypot traps because they’ll authenticate your scraper as a human. That’s not the case when extracting data using IP addresses from ISPs and data centers (when rotating proxies can help).
Many users rely on mobile proxies to unblock geo-restricted content on streaming sites, but the following use cases are the most widespread in web scraping.
Search engines display varying results on desktop and mobile devices, making it challenging to collect mobile-specific data on a computer. Mobile proxies address that problem, helping SEO experts gather the necessary SERP (Search Engine Results Page) information and analyze mobile user experience.
For instance, you can compare your website’s UX on desktop and mobile to gain insights for providing a seamless experience across devices.
A mobile proxy can help you conduct a competitive analysis, among other market research activities, to understand how other businesses meet mobile users’ needs. You can identify their strengths and weaknesses and develop better strategies for attracting mobile consumers and fueling long-term growth.
You can also uncover industry trends in global markets, arming your business with accurate data to stay ahead of the competition. That’s ideal when expanding operations or looking to become a local trendsetter.
Collecting accurate pricing information from geo-restricted websites can be challenging. Some may display different prices depending on your mobile carrier or location, and others may restrict your access.
Mobile proxies can help you gather the latest, correct pricing data, allowing you to optimize your prices for higher profits.
Verifying your mobile ads is critical for ensuring they get on your target audience’s radar and generate successful leads. You don’t want incorrect placements or fraudulent activities to interfere with the user experience.
A mobile proxy can help you verify mobile ads across locations. Its vast IP address pool lets you view ads as a local user, ensuring they appear on secure websites, have the correct placement, and reach your target demographic.
Mobile proxies are your go-to solutions for collecting accurate localized content and relevant mobile-related website data. Enjoying fast internet connections and bypassing anti-scraping techniques makes data extraction a breeze. Whether gathering competitive or price intelligence, analyzing mobile SEO results and rankings, verifying mobile ads, or enhancing other efforts, make sure to buy proxy services from a reputable provider. That way, you’ll enjoy all the benefits without worrying about security risks.
