More Than 40 Million Use Mobiles To Browse The Net

More than 40 million mobile phone users in the UK have used their handsets for downloads and browsing the internet during Q3 2006, according to the latest figures from the Mobile Data Association (MDA).

A total of 40.7 million users were recorded as having used their phones for this purpose. In July, the figure was 13 million, which had increased to 14 million by September.

According to research from Nielsen//NetRatings, a WAP-enabled mobile phone is the second most popular digital device owned by Britons, after the PC, with 57% of the survey owning a phone that could access the internet.

Key features such as mobile e-mail and mobile web are becoming more popular as they become easier to use, with improved download speeds and connectivity.

The research also shows that it is not just ringtones and games downloads that the mobile internet is being accessed for, historically a major driver of WAP usage. Google topped the list of sites most accessed via mobiles, followed closely by chat sites.

Mobile Data Association: 01922 419600 www.mda-mobiledata.org