Almost half of all mobile customers can now access the internet via their phones, according to the latest quarterly figures from the Mobile Data Association.
The data from UK network operators 02, Organge T-Mobile and Vodafone shows that the number of WAP-enabled devises topped the 24 million mark in the three months to June, an increase of 45% on the previous quarter.
Penetration of GPRS devices, which allow users to access a range of web-style information on the move, now stands at 46% and forecasts suggest that well over half of all mobile owners will be using internet capable handsets by the end of the year.
The popularity of GPRS services has increased dramatically over the last twelve months in both the consumer and corporate markets. Popular applications include access to rail and air timetables, mobile chat, location services, mobile images and innovative music services.
The figures also show that there are currently 15 million MMS-enabled handsets in the UK, with a penetration rate of 29% for the total UK market. June’s figure represents an increase of 36% on the previous quarter and suggests that people are turning to multi-media messaging as a stepping stone to 3G.
Earlier this week figures revealed that the text messaging craze showed no signs of slowing in September with a total of 2.13 billion person to person texts being sent during the month. The data confirms that the medium is continuing its development from a popular craze to an essential communications tool.
Related Links
