This year’s Mobile Web Usage Forecast from mobile internet firm Volantis says consumer interest in social networks and mobile games will drive mobile internet in the UK and the USA.
The company's forecast shows that entertainment is becoming a priority, with 55% of UK consumers aged 18-34 saying social networking services would encourage them to use the mobile web more. In addition, 17% were keen to access games on their mobile phones. In the United States, 55% also favoured mobile social networking, while 42% of consumers said provisions for mobile entertainment and gaming would motivate them to use the mobile web more regularly.
However, it's practical usage that currently dominates mobile internet services. The most popular mobile internet application in the UK and the US is email – used by 74% of consumers in the US and 65% in the UK, followed by looking at maps and checking information.