Mobile Phone Usage Overtakes Home Internet: Survey

The number of Americans using mobile phones has surpassed the number of home Internet users, according to a survey by New York-based global media company Enpocket.

Although voice communication is the main reason for using mobile phones, the survey showed that data and multimedia services are becoming a key usage driver.

For example, almost 40% of mobile owners are now regularly sending and receiving text messages. And camera phone use has also jumped, as 22% said they took a photo with their camera and 12% said they sent or received MMS in the first three months of 2005.

The 18-34 age group is embracing non-voice services more than any other age bracket. Camera phone use by them was at 34%, and 21% sent or received an MMS. The group was also most-active in ringtone downloads, at 34%.

The results are based on 1,000 telephone interviews in March, reflecting usage patterns between January and March.