Mobile Broadband increases more than 100%

Now may be the perfect time to advertise on the mobile Internet. According to the latest research from metrics firm comScore, mobile broadband use increase 157% in 2007. Don't let that number fool you. The total number of mobile web users is still only about 1%. It is clear, though, that more users are logging on which means advertisers shouldn't be far behind..

by Kristina Knight

“Though mobile broadband access is currently used by about 1 percent of the total U.S. Internet population 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.”

In Q4 of 2006 just over 850,000 US users were logged on to the mobile Internet. By Q4 of 2007 more than 2.1 million users were logging on. So far Verizon and Sprint are leading the way in the mobile broadband world but AT&T has said they will increase mobile broadband coverage in 2008.

So far those who are logging on are using the mobile web because they need it: they need to check email for work, find directions fast or look up store information. However, as broadband penetration rises and the number of hot spots grow more users are beginning to log on for personal reasons or as part of a daily habit.