Here’s a pretty telling chart of smartphone market share , at least in terms of advertising delivery from industry dominator AdMob. (via Engadget and Ars Technica) Obviously, this is a crucial moment for the telecom industry, as Apple struggles to keep its device on top amid incredible growth pressure from Android-based phones like the Droid.

Expect to see some pretty aggressive moves by both contingents in the coming months. Lately, the most visible battleground has been in advertising, where AT&T and Verizon are fighting it out daily. But with the iPhone still slipping, it’s going to take a major service or product shakeup to pull Apple’s flagship phone back into positive growth.

On a likely related note, Apple is reportedly planning an announcement at the end of June, which would coincide with the three-year anniversary of the iPhone’s launch — and the possible expiration of Apple’s exclusive contract with AT&T. What happens next is anybody’s guess, but one thing’s for certain: No matter how this fight shapes up, consumers are going to be the big winners. Competition breeds better pricing, better service, better technology and better options.

In a nutshell? It’s a tough year to be in the smartphone market, but it’s a great year to be in the market for a smartphone.

Disclosure: AT&T is a client of Luckie and Company.

David Griner, Social Media Strategist | E-mail | Twitter | LinkedIn | SlideShare