Mobile broadband is increasingly being used by global organisations, new figures from the GSM Association (GSMA) have revealed.

The body's research has indicated that, on average, 12.3 per cent of global workforces have mobile broadband access, while that figure is expected to increase by around 25 per cent over 2010.

In addition, 24 per cent of respondents expect the technology to become the industry standard over the next five years.

According to Michael O'Hara, chief marketing officer at the GSMA, the results of the survey are "extremely encouraging" for mobile broadband.

"The results clearly demonstrate that enterprises are keen to innovate and have recognised the freedom and flexibility that HSPA mobile broadband delivers," he added.

News of the study has come after mobile broadband was criticised in high-profile news reports for offering speeds lower than those advertised.