Mobile internet access is on the up

Mobile internet use across Europe has increased by 20% year on year, particularly for users with smartphones, according to new data from Forrester Research.

The report found that mobile web take-up in Europe is up 4% on last year, with around 24% of Europeans regularly using their mobile phones to access the internet.

Mobile internet growth increased even more with smartphone users, with around 35% of iPhone users and 30% of smartphone users regularly accessing the internet via their handsets.

However, the report also revealed that cost perceptions and the lack of affordable mobile internet tariffs are the key barriers in increasing take up further.

Regular mobile internet access increased to 60% for users who own a smartphone and also have an unlimited data plan, according to the report.

Thomas Husson, an analyst at Forrester, said: “Apple is only the tip of the iceberg, as drivers are now in place for mass-market take up of the mobile internet in Europe.

“The expansion of internet brands, smarter phones, and high-speed networks are enabling compelling user experiences that, coupled with all-you-can-eat data plans, are driving usage.”