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Mobile usage statistics 2010-2015

Author's avatar By Dave Chaffey 22 Feb, 2011
Essential Essential topic

Mobile growth predictions to support your mobile marketing strategy

Research value: [rating=5]

Our commentary: I'm sure you noticed the tremendous growth in 2010 of use of smartphones, tablets and the popularity of mobile apps. If you're creating a business case for investment in mobile phones we hope this alert about future predictions of mobile usage will be useful to highlight some data to suppport your arguments.

What's most interesting to us is how the trend to smartphone and tablet usage results in a lot more use of mobile networks. This is highlighted by this graphic.

Another point is that we don't seem to be near saturation. These statistics on mobile growth by region show sustained growth across all markets:

Don't believe the mobile hype!

It's always right to treat self-serving research with caution. I think that here the main point to remember is that many users will continue to access the web via their desktop PCs. In 2011 most companies I talk to still have a tiny proportion of their web traffic via mobile searches - it's usually much less than 5% - so it's worth checking your analytics for mobile usage first and foremost. It's also worth checking the new Google Keyword Tool for mobile search volumes. But of course there are other opportunities to research your audience directly through your own or others Mobile apps - see statistics. The research also shows that the current global number of mobile-only Internet users is currently tiny (c14 million) although this is forecast to grow to 780 million by 2011. So many mobile users currently have other means of accessing the web.

Our summary of 2010 mobile usage statistics

  • Global mobile data traffic grew 2.6-fold in 2010, nearly tripling for the third year in a row
  • Mobile network connection speeds doubled in 2010
  • Smartphones represent only 13 percent of total global handsets in use today, but they represent over
    78 percent of total global handset traffic

Our summary of future mobile usage predictions

  • Global mobile data traffic will increase 26-fold between 2010 and 2015
  • There will be nearly one mobile device per capita by 2015
  • Two-thirds of the world’s mobile data traffic will be video by 2015

Recommended link: Mobile usage statistics

Readers may also be interested in this Feb 2011 whitepaper from Comscore on mobile statistics.

Author's avatar

By Dave Chaffey

Digital strategist Dr Dave Chaffey is co-founder and Content Director of online marketing training platform and publisher Smart Insights. 'Dr Dave' is known for his strategic, but practical, data-driven advice. He has trained and consulted with many business of all sizes in most sectors. These include large international B2B and B2C brands including 3M, BP, Barclaycard, Dell, Confused.com, HSBC, Mercedes-Benz, Microsoft, M&G Investment, Rentokil Initial, O2, Royal Canin (Mars Group) plus many smaller businesses. Dave is editor of the templates, guides and courses in our digital marketing resource library used by our Business members to plan, manage and optimize their marketing. Free members can access our free sample templates here. Dave is also keynote speaker, trainer and consultant who is author of 5 bestselling books on digital marketing including Digital Marketing Excellence and Digital Marketing: Strategy, Implementation and Practice. In 2004 he was recognised by the Chartered Institute of Marketing as one of 50 marketing ‘gurus’ worldwide who have helped shape the future of marketing. My personal site, DaveChaffey.com, lists my latest Digital marketing and E-commerce books and support materials including a digital marketing glossary. Please connect on LinkedIn to receive updates or ask me a question.

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