Mobile internet growth 'hampered by billing confusion'

31 July 2008

Mobile phone users are reluctant to access the internet using their handsets because they fear they will be hit by large bills, it has been suggested. The latest mobile trends report by the Mobile Data Association (MDA) shows that mobile internet usage has grown by 25% in the last two years as handset manufacturers add new capabilities to their models. But the organisation claims many consumers are still wary of logging on via their mobiles in case their operator issues them with a huge statement. Steve Reynolds, Chairman of the MDA, comments: "The findings of this report suggest a real consumer appetite, but confusion and fear over costs may be holding back growth." He insists mobile operators need to introduce greater transparency regarding the cost of mobile internet access if consumers are to fully embrace it. Providing they do so, mobile internet could grow to rival traditional desktop internet access over the next few years, the MDA claims. Figures from the organisation also show that UK mobile users send almost 1.5 billion text messages each week.

What tariff should you choose? Pay As You Go or contract? Find the best tariff for your budget. uSwitch.com can search available deals and find the one best suited to you. Compare mobile deals and switch online for free.

Start switching

< Back to market news

© 2008 Adfero Ltd

Content for the uSwitch.com market news service is provided by a third party, Adfero Ltd. Whilst uSwitch.com makes reasonable efforts to check the reliability of this content, uSwitch.com does not guarantee the accuracy thereof or endorse the views or opinions given by Adfero Ltd, unless expressly stated otherwise.