BT release WAP research figures

BT has released figures of recently commissioned research into WAP usage in the UK. I have broken reports about these figures down into easily digestable facts for reference below. The sample size is relatively small and we have no quantification of the sample, but the results are interesting none the less.

Survey Total Sample : 500 users

Usage.

- 50 per cent said that they use WAP at least once a week,
- 20 per cent saying they access the mobile internet at least once a day.
- Over 70 per cent said they found wireless information services useful or very useful as part of their daily lives
- 37 per cent regularly accessing wireless information services including news, current affairs and sports results, weather, travel and stock market information.
- 30 per cent of all respondents use the mobile internet for sending and receiving emails whilst on the move.

What influences them to use the mobile internet

- 42 per cent of respondents cited specific recommendations and talking to friends and work colleagues, as the primary reason for regular usage.
- This compares with 8 per cent who cited word of mouth as the initial reason for first taking a look at the mobile internet.
- 37 per cent of those surveyed said that it was curiosity that first attracted them to the WAP services.
- 35 per cent of respondents said that boredom waiting for public transport had most influenced them to take a look.

Demographics

- of 18-24 year olds, 48 per cent said they have used WAP to access entertainment information,
- whilst a 49 per cent of all 35-44 year olds use it for news and current affairs.

Laurence Alexander, MD, Genie UK, said: "This data demonstrates that
mainstream consumer adoption of wireless information services is on the
upswing. The figures demonstrate a hungry appetite for information on the
move and it is clear that the mobile internet is now becoming a part of the
consumer's daily ritual."