Most consumers would
prefer to access the web on a mobile device than a PC,
according to research from IBM.
IBM surveyed 600 consumers in the US, China and the UK regarding
mobile internet use.
The survey found communication, travel and navigation
applications are expected to become more popular. News and
information services are also thought be growth areas.
The world's population of mobile phone users is expected to
increase from 50% to 80% of the population, or 5.8bn people, by
2013. The availability of IP wireless broadband and more
affordable devices will change the way companies around the world
relate to customers, said IBM.
"Worldwide adoption of the mobile phone as the preferred device
for accessing the internet is just around the corner," said
Sungyoul Lee, IBM
global consulting leader for the electronics industry.
"With 70% of consumers worldwide who believe the mobile internet
has the potential to add significant to moderate value to their
day-to-day lives, the time is now for companies to develop
intuitive applications and services that allow people of all ages
to effortlessly access and use the internet while on the go," added
Sungyoul Lee.
By 2011, 39% of respondents said they expect to increase
internet use on their mobile device by at least 40%. The Chinese
consumers led the world as the fastest-adopting society of mobile
web use.
Some countries have leapfrogged the PC stage and their citizens
routinely use mobile devices for consumer services already, said
IBM.
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