JupiterResearch Finds Creating Better Browser Alternatives Would Stimulate Mobile Internet Adoption

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--JupiterResearch, a leading authority on the impact of the Internet and emerging consumer technologies on business, has found that although high-speed wireless data networks are available to the majority of all cell phone users, few are migrating “desktop” activities to cell phones. Among the most common activities, e-mail is the most widely used on the cell phone, but regular users are still hard to find, suggesting an alternative to the browser allowing cell phone owners to access information quickly is necessary to promote adoption. These findings are outlined in a new report published by JupiterResearch, “Mobile Internet: Leave the Browser at Home on the Desktop.”

“Mobile Internet: Leave the Browser at Home on the Desktop.”

Overall, 63 percent of cell phone owners are not using cell phones to access such Internet services as search engines or to gather such information as the daily news, which are both popular activities on computers. However, the fact that 37 percent of cell phone owners are accessing some kind of information or services on their cell phone is a clear indicator of demand from cell phone users for more than voice services.

“We’re not advocating the browser go away – just that there should be an alternative for ‘glanceable’ content – the content people need frequently,” explained Vice President Julie Ask, lead analyst of the report. “Consumers are willing to pay for good experiences and products. The industry should focus on this reality. In turn, they can double or triple current adoption levels and drive up usage by focusing efforts on those cell phone users who would be motivated by a better user interface and more compelling experiences..”

Better experiences, combined with lower pricing, will likely drive adoption of Internet services on cell phones, although from a provider perspective there are varying degrees of expense and challenges associated with implementation. Still, consumer demand for better experiences is creating a valid need for a complement to the browser on mobile devices. Such alternatives will better serve mobile subscribers, especially for glanceable content needs

“Browser alternatives such as widgets or applets, which are mini applications that allow for content to be easily accessed from a home screen or with just a few clicks, can meet consumer demands for quick access to information,” said David Schatsky, President of JupiterResearch. “The goal should be to engage the user through ease of operation so that accessing information in this manner will eventually become second nature.”

The complete findings of this report are immediately available to JupiterResearch clients online at www.jupiterresearch.com. For details on JupiterResearch's methodology, visit www.jupiterresearch.com/bin/item.pl/methodology or email [e-mail] to request a detailed methodology statement. For additional information on this report or JupiterResearch's Wireless research service, visit www.jupiterresearch.com or contact Kieran Kelly, Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Client Service, at 1-800-481-1212 or [e-mail].

About JupiterResearch

JupiterResearch provides unbiased research, analysis and advice, backed by proprietary data, to help companies profit from the impact of the Internet and emerging consumer technologies on their business. The company helps online businesses make critical decisions about technology selection, spending, staffing, and Web site effectiveness; advises consumer-facing companies with online advertising, marketing, and customer service strategies to understand, attract, convert and retain customers; and guides technology vendors and service providers on market opportunity, positioning, product definition, and pricing. JupiterResearch is headquartered in New York City and has offices throughout the US and Europe. For more information, visit www.jupiterresearch.com.