IDC research reports that SMS and text messaging remains the most popular mobile data application among users in the Asia Pacific region. Increased adaptation of mobile devices with penetration rates of over 90% in some areas especially for higher end 3G color screen phones along with shortened replacement cycles led to greater usage of SMS and related functions. See excerpts below:

"Mobile phone penetration saw a dramatic growth across Asia/Pacific over the last few years. In 2005, the number of respondents who owned mobile phones reaching 90.2% compared with 80.2% reported in the previous year. Australia and Singapore showed the highest growth rates of 11%, in terms of mobile phone ownership, while Hong Kong and Taiwan declined by three percentage points, reflecting the saturation of mobile phone market. These two countries also registered the highest level of mobile penetration as of 2004, and it was not uncommon for users to own more than two mobile phones.

SMS maintained as the most popular mobile data application, with 65% of the users sending text messages everyday. Handset personalization services, playing games offline on the mobile phone and sending camera-phone photos showed encouraging take-up. Survey findings indicate that over 20% of users download icons/screensavers/logos/ringtones, send camera-phone taken photos and play offline games, with their mobile phones at least once a month or more frequently. More than 10% of users utilize information services, instant messaging and participate in voting events/polls/raffles, via their mobile phone. "

See the full report here, via Tekrati Research.  

Average user rating

   (0 vote)