Mobile Internet And Picture Messaging Enjoy Massive Growth
High tech mobiles allowing users to send pictures and surf the internet are proving popular than ever, according to the Mobile Data Association, which has released usage figures to 30 September 2004 showing a rapid increase in take-up of both GPRS and MMS enabled handsets.
The MDA claims that, from a total active customer base of over 53 million, GPRS enabled devices topped 26 million as during September, an increase of 10% on the previous quarter and double that of last quarter of 2003.
The figure represents a 50% penetration rate for GPRS devices in the total UK market, showing that the popularity of using the internet on the move is growing fast. This trend is expected to continue, with the MDA predicting by the end of 2005 that 75% of all UK handsets in use will be able to access the internet.
According to the MDA, GPRS services have seen an increase in popularity in both the consumer and corporate markets, with popular applications including access to news services, timetables and mobile music, with Band Aid becoming the fastest ever-selling ring tone.
Mobile chat continues to be one of the most popular applications for the new technology, with Tony Blair showing his support and becoming the first Prime Minister to use text message technology to talk directly to the people earlier this year.
The MDA reports that MMS capable devices had reached 17 million at the end of September, with a penetration rate of 32% for the total UK market. The technology allows users to send photos and sounds from one handset to another and has proved popular, with September’s figures showing an increase on the previous quarter of 14%.
With an ever increasing number of MMS handsets and applications, the MDA reports that the Christmas period has fuelled usage with an increase in animated Christmas cards on mobile screens. The research body claims that the evolution of mobile messaging will continue in 2005, with the increased use of MMS “moods” and “emotions” cards.
The MDA recently revealed text message figures for 2004, showing that new technology has not deterred mobile phone users from more traditional plain-text communication, with messaging bulk reaching record breaking numbers (see Record Texts Spell Success For Mobile Industry In 2004).
Mobile Data Association: 01922 419600 www.mda-mobiledata.org
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