Mobile Phones Are Still for Calls and Texts Only - Report

Despite heavy investment in mobile phone development and services, the majority of UK consumers continue to use their mobile phones for calls and texts only, a new survey reveals. The research, commissioned by mobile interaction management firm, SNAPin Software found that as many as 60 percent of UK mobile users exclusively call and text from their mobile phones.

Amongst a third of respondents who do take advantage of their mobile phone features, the mobile camera was a top choice: 30 percent of respondents use the camera or take and send pictures to friends and family. However just 12 percent of mobile users e-mail from their mobile phone or access the Internet.

Even though blogging has gained ground as a popular pastime, only one percent of respondents blog from their mobile phones. Street navigation proved to be the least popular mobile services, with just three percent using them.

According to SNAPin Software, UK consumers are experiencing a number of issues that may be perceived as barriers to the wider adoption of mobile features and services. Based on the research results, these can be identified as services apathy, billing confusion and manual fatigue.

The following statistics support this statement:

• More than half of respondents (60%) are not interested in using the mobile services available on their phone.
• Almost a third of respondents (29%) are confused about mobile operators' billing rates and how they are being charged for additional offerings.
• Many respondents (18%) cannot not be bothered to go through a user manual in order to learn how to use certain applications.

"Today's mobile phones are packed with functionality, yet many mobile users only discover a mere fraction of the features and applications available," said Robert Lewis, president & CEO, SNAPin Software. "We believe this situation is symptomatic of how mobile handset manufacturers and operators approach user education. Users need simpler and less time intensive ways of discovering their mobile phones' potential. These need to be delivered at the right time - when users require them most".

The SNAPin survey was carried out by YouGov among 1961 adults and is representative of all GB adults aged 18+. Fieldwork was undertaken between 18th and 20th December 2007.

Posted to the site on 25th January 2008