People 'expect mobile phones to be online all the time'

It is no longer enough for mobile phone users to be able to access the internet on and off throughout the day, an expert has said.

Leigh Geary, from CoolSmartPhone.com, emphasised that people are keen to access high volumes of data through their handsets, which means they need internet capabilities.

He continued: "Many customers no longer want to stare at the 'data light' and then quickly disconnect after browsing.

"The phone should be connected to the web all the time, end of story."

Mobile phone users want to be able to access Facebook, YouTube and other popular sites when they are on the move, Mr Geary stressed.

The smartphone market reached a new record level in the fourth quarter of 2009, according to figures published by market intelligence firm IDC.

There was a 39% rise in shipments when compared to the same period of 2008.

Posted by Martin Ellis