MOBILE INTERNET USAGE HIGHER THAN EVER BEFORE… BUT SO IS THE COST
2011 News
April 6th, 2011
New research yields interesting insight into our changing mobile internet – and social – habits…
· 69% more Britons use internet on their mobiles compared to a year ago
· 58% think data costs are too high
· 64% admit to being anti-social by accessing the internet whilst with friends, 11% confess to using it to find alternative entertainment whilst on date
· Nearly half access social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter at least once every few hours
To coincide with the launch of a new unlimited internet tariff on Talkmobile, The Carphone Warehouse has today released new research that sheds light on our mobile internet usage. The survey, which had over 2,000 respondents, showed that most people (69%) use the internet on their mobile more now than they did a year ago, but that 58% thought the costs of doing so were ‘too high’, especially in these tough economic times. Available for just £12 a month, the ‘Never Pay for the Internet’ package has been developed to respond to these changing mobile needs.
The research reveals we’re becoming a nation of mobile internet users. Of those questioned, nearly 70% accessed the internet from their mobile at least once a day, with 50% of respondents accessing it as much as every few hours. Social networking was the main reason given for doing this (38%), especially amongst women where the percentage rose to nearly half (49%). Sending and receiving emails (26%), checking the news (14%) and finding out about travel routes and disruption (6%) were alternative reasons given.
And with increased use, comes change in social habits too. The research reveals that people have begun accessing the internet on their mobile in lots of unusual places, whenever they have a free minute. Nearly 50% (49%) of men (compared to 42% average) did it on the toilet and nearly three quarters (72%) of women did it in bed (compared to 69% average). Even whilst out with friends, 64% of people found time to surf online… and 11% had even found alternative entertainment whilst on a date!
With all the various tariffs and complicated phrasing around, it’s of little surprise that nearly 50% (47%) said they found the varying charges for accessing the internet from a mobile confusing. However, the Talkmobile ‘Never Pay for the Internet’ package couldn’t be clearer. Mark Eastham, UK Trading Director at The Carphone Warehouse said: “This tariff does exactly what it says on the tin… Customers can get unlimited internet access from their smartphones from just £12 a month! As this research shows, people are using their phones for much than just calling and texting, but in doing so are often faced with higher costs. We want people to be able to get the most from their technology, even in the face of such a difficult economic climate, which is why we hope customers will really take advantage of this great deal. There’s a range of tariffs to suit all budgets and an impressive range of 30 smartphones to choose from. It really represents excellent value and is another UK first for The Carphone Warehouse.”
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Available from The Carphone Warehouse stores, online or by phone.
http://www.carphonewarehouse.com or 0800 925 925
For further information please contact Freud Communications:
Michelle Husain
T: 020 3003 6434
E:
Notes to Editors
· Research coordinated by YouGov
· The Talkmobile ‘Never Pay for the Internet’ is available from 6 April to 4 May 2011
· The £12 a month contract includes 200 minutes and 200 texts a month
· The £18 a month contract includes 300 minutes and 1000 texts a month
· Available across a range of tariffs when taking out a new mobile phone contract on Talkmobile. The deal will also be available in all Best Buy stores.
· The Carphone Warehouse is the largest independent mobile phone retailer in the UK, with over 800 stores nationwide.
· Initially available for a month from 6 April to 4 May 2011, the contract includes a brand new mobile from a wide range to suit all budgets. Customers can take advantage of the latest handsets including the HTC Wildfire on the £12 a month contract, the INQ Cloud Touch at £18 a month or the highly-anticipated Sony Ericsson Xperia Play for £30 a month.