Mobile broadband taking off in the US

Cellular internet access up 154 per cent

The number of people using mobile broadband technology to access the internet in the US grew by 154 per cent in the last quarter of 2007 compared to the same period in 2006, according to figures from comScore.

The study examined the usage and characteristics of internet access via mobile broadband over cellular networks and did not include wireless access through Wi-Fi.

Verizon and Sprint accounted for the majority of the mobile broadband market last year, but AT&T has vowed to increase its coverage in 2008.

"Mobile broadband access is currently used by about one per cent of the US internet population, but it is poised for significant growth over the next few years," said Serge Matta, senior vice president of comScore.

"As consumers increasingly demand and depend on portable internet access, the demand for mobile broadband should continue to increase."

The use of mobile broadband in the US is still in its early stages and usage appears to be more a function of 'need' than 'want'.

The was highlighted by the fact that mobile broadband shows a higher presence on work computers (59 per cent) than home/personal computers (41 per cent).

Mobile broadband is also perceived as something of a luxury, skewing strongly towards the highest income households.

Users making at least $100,000 were 37 per cent more likely than average to use mobile broadband, and those with incomes below $25,000 were 41 per cent less likely to do so.

"The mobile broadband market is ripening as we speak, and ISPs can benefit by increasing awareness that they have the services to meet consumer demands," said Matta.

"Those ISPs that get ahead of the curve in understanding this emerging market will be best positioned to reap its rewards."