Widespread Adoption of Mobile Internet Underscores Need for Greater Bandwidth in China

Mobile broadband can provide speeds similar to that of fixed broadband. Consumers can use cell phones, PDAs, laptops, or other portable devices to access the service whether moving or stationary. It is widely believed that mobile broadband access is an important trend in China’s telecom industry; however, it is crucial that telecom operators and equipment manufacturers understand end-user acceptance, attitudes, and expectations regarding mobile broadband access service and its applications.

To this end, In-Stat surveyed 709 respondents via telephone in March 2007, and the results are summarized in this report.

This report has two different sections. The first looks at respondent demographics. The second examines the different ways of accessing mobile or wireless Internet service (handset, data card, and WLAN) and current-user usage patterns and feedback. Lastly, potential-user acceptance, willingness to pay, and issues of most concern are provided, along with analysis of each. Reasons given for having no interest in mobile broadband are also provided.

Executive Summary

Definition

Introduction

Survey Demographics

Respondent Ages

Business Trip Frequency

Monthly Income

Service Providers

Monthly Spending

Monthly Spending (Mobile Service)

Monthly Spending (Value-Added Services)

Attitudes to New Technology

Survey Results (Current Users)

Handset Use

Current and Potential Users

Time Spent Accessing Mobile Internet via Handset

Applications Used

Satisfaction Levels

Data Card Users

Time Spent

Applications Used

Satisfaction Levels

WLAN Users

Time Spent

Satisfaction Levels

Potential Users

Interest

Interest (Handset Users)

Interest (Data Card Users)

Interest (WLAN Users)

Key Successful Factors (KSFs)

Purchase Plans

Preferred Payment

Payment (Monthly Income)

Spending (Fixed Service Fee)

Reason Not to Use

Methodology

Related In-Stat Reports

List of Tables

Table 1. Respondent Cities

List of Figures

Figure 1. Respondent Ages

Figure 2. Handset Use and Age

Figure 3. Monthly Business Trip Frequency

Figure 4. Monthly Income (US$)

Figure 5. Service Providers

Figure 6. Monthly Spending on Fixed Telephone/Broadband (US$)

Figure 7. Monthly Spending on Mobile Service (US$)

Figure 8. Monthly Spending by Handset Use/Mobile Service Fee (US$)

Figure 9. Monthly Spending on VAS (US$)

Figure 10. Handset Use and VAS Spending (US$)

Figure 11. Attitudes to New Technology

Figure 12. Handset Use and Attitudes to New Technology

Figure 13. Handset Use (Current and Potential Users)

Figure 14. Time Spent per Week Accessing Mobile Internet via Handset

Figure 15. Applications Used

Figure 16. Applications and Time Spent per Week

Figure 17. Application Use by Age

Figure 18. Applications by VAS Fee (US$)

Figure 19. Satisfaction with Mobile Internet

Figure 20. Time Spent per Week (Data Card)

Figure 21. Applications Used (Data Card)

Figure 22. Satisfaction Level (Data Card)

Figure 23. Time Spent per Week (WLAN)

Figure 24. Satisfaction Level (WLAN)

Figure 25. Levels of Interest

Figure 26. Interest in Mobile Broadband among Handset Users

Figure 27. Interest in Mobile Broadband among Data Card Users

Figure 28. Interest in Mobile Broadband among WLAN Users

Figure 29. KSF Analysis (Potential Users)

Figure 30. How Long Before You Buy After Service is Available?

Figure 31. How Much Are You Willing to Pay for the Service (US$)?

Figure 32. Preferred Payment by Monthly Income (US$)

Figure 33. Preferred Payment by Fixed Service Fee (US$)

Figure 34. Reasons for Not Using Mobile Broadband