Mobile Social Networks Are the Biggest Smartphone Use Next to Email: ABI Research Technology Barometer™ Finding

Almost three quarters (73%) of mobile phone users (both smartphones and other types) in the United States use their phones to visit social networking sites daily, sometimes more than once each day.

This finding comes from an online survey of 2,000 consumers conducted in March 2011 by ABI Research. They were asked a wide range of questions about how they use mobile devices. All respondents owned at least one mobile phone, smartphone or media tablet.

Practice director Neil Strother says, “Operators and brands, take note: your customers are here in droves. Users like multiple modes of social interaction. Survey respondents say the mobile phone (or smartphone) provides sufficient access to the activities they like doing with social networks: viewing content, sending media, and updating profiles. In fact, the phone is a preferred device for doing a number of activities by nearly half of those who access social networks via mobile.”

Other popular phone-based activities included:

·         Checking email (80%)

·         Checking weather and reading news (63% each)

·         Playing music or viewing stock quotes (53% each)
·         Checking sports scores (51%)

·         Searching for information (48%)

·         Playing games (39%)

The popularity of these activities has implications for network data traffic, but also for the increased usage of downloadable apps, the delivery of more services (not just OTT/apps) and higher ARPU from data plans.

 This survey is part of ABI Research’s new series of Technology BarometerTM Research Services. “Technology BarometerTM: Mobile -- 1Q 2011 US Survey Results” is a primary research-based tracking study that provides dynamic views and insight into the constantly changing US consumer mobility market. In addition to the interest discussed above, it includes results for some 60 other topics related to users’ preferences, product ownership, usage, attitudes and expectations of mobile devices and services.

For this and other surveys, including earlier US results and similar current surveys in other countries, see Technology BarometerTM: Mobile.

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 40+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.

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