comScrore Inc. released the results of a study of
U.S. Internet usage via mobile broadband.
The study examined the usage and characteristics of mobile broadband
users through data collected from computers where Internet access via mobile
broadband Internet service providers (ISPs) occurred.
Mobile broadband employs
cellular networks, where users pay subscriptions for access and the connection
is made with a PC card, built-in adapter, or connections can be tethered via a
cell-phone or PDA, and is different than Wi-Fi access, which is predicated on
the availability of short range “hot spots” where access fees often apply
incrementally for each connection. In 2007, Verizon and Sprint accounted
for the majority of the mobile broadband market. AT&T has announced it will increase its coverage in
2008.he number
of computers using mobile broadband technology to access the Internet grew by
154 percent in Q4 2007 versus the same period in 2006.
|
Number of Computers Using Mobile Broadband Q4 2007 vs. Q4 2006 Total U.S. - Home/Work/University Locations Source: comScore, Inc. |
|||
|
|
Unique Computers (000) |
||
|
Q4 2006 |
Q4 2007 |
Percent Change |
|
|
Mobile Broadband |
854 |
2,168 |
154% |
Though
mobile broadband access is currently used by about 1 percent of the total U.S.
Internet population it is poised for significant growth over the next few
years,” said Serge Matta, senior vice president of comScore. “As consumers
increasingly demand and depend on portable Internet access, the demand for mobile
broadband should continue to increase.”
Work Computers Account for Most
Mobile Broadband Access
At this
early stage of mobile broadband, usage appears to be more a function of “need”
than “want.” In particular, mobile broadband shows a significantly higher
presence on work computers (59 percent) than home / personal computers (41
percent).>
|
Mobile Broadband Usage by Location Q4 2007 vs. Q4 2006 Total U.S. - Home/Work/University Locations Source: comScore, Inc. |
|
|
Location |
Percent of Computers |
|
Total |
100% |
|
Home / Personal |
41% |
|
Work |
59% |
Mobile
broadband is also somewhat of a luxury, skewing strongly towards the highest
income households. Those making at least $100,000 were 37 percent more likely
than average to use mobile broadband and those with incomes below $25,000 were
41 percent less likely to do so.
|
Mobile Broadband Usage by Income Segment Q4 2007 vs. Q4 2006 Total U.S. - Home/Work/University Locations Source: comScore, Inc. |
||
|
Household |
Percent of Mobile Broadband Computers |
Index |
|
Total Households |
100.0% |
100 |
|
$0-$24,999 |
5.5% |
59 |
|
$25,000-$49,999 |
15.3% |
80 |
|
$50,000-$74,999 |
27.9% |
97 |
|
$75,000-$99,999 |
15.2% |
93 |
|
More than $100,000 |
36.1% |
137 |
*Index = Percent of Mobile
Broadband/Percent of Total Internet x 100; Index of 100 represents parity
“The
mobile broadband market is ripening as we speak, and ISPs can benefit by
increasing awareness that they have the services to meet their consumers’
demands,” added Matta. “Those ISPs that get ahead of the curve in understanding
this emerging market will be best positioned to reap its rewards.”
To request more information
on
comScore Mobile Broadband Solutions please visit http://www.comscore.com/contact