Text generation use mobiles to surf web

Tue, 29 Jul 2008

Consumers are using mobile phones for texting and browsing the internet rather than making phone calls, according to figures from the Mobile Data Association (MDA).

The report, released today (July 29), shows that nearly 1.5 billion texts were sent in the first five months of year, a growth of 30% on the same period in the previous. The MDA expects to see a further 30% growth this year, fuelled by the promotion of all inclusive tariffs, new devices and lower roaming charges.

It also says picture and video messaging are "gathering real pace" due to improved and automated settings. Over 10 million pictures and videos were sent during the period - a 30% increase on the year before.

The number of mobile internet users between May 2006 and May 2008 rose from 13 million to 16 million. The industry body predicts a further growth of about 20% by 2009.

The MDA says new operator pricing and internet enabled devices such as the iPhone and Nokia N95 will be "key" to driving adoption. It predicts that mobile internet will become a "true rival" for traditional desktop internet access.