Category: Mobile usage

The universe of smart connected devices, including PCs, media tablets, and smartphones, saw shipments of more than 916 mln units and revenues surpassing $489 bln dollars in 2011, according to IDC. Unit shipments for smart connected devices should top 1.1 bln worldwide in 2012. By 2016, IDC predicts shipments will reach 1.84 bln units, more than double the 2011 figure, as consumers and business of all shapes and sizes around the world are showing a nearly insatiable appetite for smart connected devices. This works out to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.4% for the five-year forecast period.

According to Mobile Entertainment Forum, the global mobile entertainment industry is now worth some $32 bln. According to KPMG, the industry also remains confident that it can continue to grow strongly despite the current economic challenges, predicting average revenue growth of 28% for 2010.

The market of mobile financial services to poor people in emerging markets will surge from nothing to $5 bln in 2012, CGAP said.

Two out of five Americans with contract-based cell phones (39% or 60.3 mln consumers) are likely to cut back on their cell phones to save money if, as is widely expected, the economy gets worse over the next six months, according to Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) for the New Millennium Research Council (NMRC).

26% of consumers with contract-based cell phone service are more inclined today than 6 months ago to look at a way to save money on their cell phone bill, such as by switching to prepaid phone plans and services. This group includes 38% of those in households making $35,000 a year or less, 32% of African Americans and 30% of those aged 18-34. A total of 19 mln Americans have considered cutting back (5%) or actually have cut back (15%) on such features in the last six months because of actual job loss, fear of job loss, the recession, or any other related financial concerns. More than two out of five cell phone users with extras on their phones (41%) say it is very (19%) or somewhat (21%) likely that they will cut back on cell phone extras if the economy gets worse in the next six months. Fewer than two in five (39%) say it is not likely at all that they will make such cuts in the face of a deepening recession.

Indian mobile operators added a record 15.64 mln customers in March 2009, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India said. The mobile subscriber base in India rose by 50%, or more than 130 mln, to 391.8 mln.

Wireless-only households made up 14.7% of US households in 2007. Wireless-only adults made up 13.6% of U.S. adults in 2007. State-level estimates ranged from 5.1% (Vermont) to 26.2% (Oklahoma) of households and from 4.0% (Delaware) to 25.1% (Oklahoma) of adults. 25.4% of adults living in the District of Columbia were wireless-only, Center for Disease Control says.

Other states with a high prevalence of wireless-only households include Utah (25.5%), Nebraska (23.2%), Arkansas (22.6%), Idaho (22.1%), and Iowa (22.2%). Other states with a low prevalence of wireless-only households include Connecticut (5.6%), Delaware (5.7%), South Dakota (6.4%), Rhode Island (7.9%), New Jersey (8.0%), and Hawaii (8.0%).