U.S. Computers Accessing the Internet Via Mobile Broadband Soars

Internet traffic measurment firm, comScore has reported that the number of computers using mobile broadband technology in the USA to access the Internet grew by 154 percent in Q4 2007 versus the same period in 2006. For the purposes of the report, mobile broadband is limited to cellular networks and does not include Wi-Fi services. In 2007, Verizon and Sprint accounted for the majority of the mobile broadband market. AT&T has announced it will increase its coverage in 2008.

"Though mobile broadband access is currently used by about 1 percent of the total U.S. Internet population it is poised for significant growth over the next few years," said Serge Matta, senior vice president of comScore. "As consumers increasingly demand and depend on portable Internet access, the demand for mobile broadband should continue to increase."

At this early stage of mobile broadband, usage appears to be more a function of "need" than "want." In particular, mobile broadband shows a significantly higher presence on work computers (59%) than home / personal computers (41%).

Mobile broadband is also somewhat of a luxury, skewing strongly towards the highest income households. Those making at least $100,000 were 37 percent more likely than average to use mobile broadband and those with incomes below $25,000 were 41 percent less likely to do so.

"The mobile broadband market is ripening as we speak, and ISPs can benefit by increasing awareness that they have the services to meet their consumers' demands," added Matta. "Those ISPs that get ahead of the curve in understanding this emerging market will be best positioned to reap its rewards."

Posted to the site on 4th March 2008