Personal Use of Mobile Technologies is on the Rise - Report

The hard line between business use and consumer use is blurring as many mobile consumers are depending more heavily on mobile solutions that operate around the clock. According to a new study from IDC, personal use of mobile devices, technology, applications, and services is on the rise as many previously business-focused solutions have been extended or repositioned for the home.

According to results from a recent survey of more than 2,074 members of IDC's Mobile Advisory Council, mobile phones in particular continue to be a big part of consumers' lifestyles. Survey respondents stated that nearly 36% of their personal calls from home are made from their mobile phone and that they spend more on cellular service per month than on broadband, cable/satellite TV, and landline telephone services. Mobile consumers also tended to adopt more of the latest technology and consumer electronic products, from wireless networks to big flat screen TVs.

"Consumers who have adopted mobile solutions either within or outside of the home represent a unique segment to market next-generation technology and services to," said Randy Giusto, IDC's vice president of Personal Technologies and Services. "The home is considered the next big thing and understanding the usage patterns and buying intentions of consumers who are mobile is key to tapping a red hot market segment."

The survey also found that a Wi-Fi connection is the most popular way that consumers who are mobile access the Internet wirelessly, Consumers who used mobile phones prefer (or would prefer) the standard handset keypad, while consumers who used PDA or converged mobile devices prefer some type of QWERTY solution. Given the ability, 32% of respondents would prefer not to use instant messaging on their mobile device and the number one reason mobile consumers access the Internet wirelessly is for email, followed by checking the news and general Web surfing."

Posted to the site on 17th December 2003