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The proliferation of smartphones in the United States is driving a rapid rise in mobile-device usage for non-voice communications, including text messages, e-mail and mobile Internet access, according to BIA/Kelsey’s latest research.

 

About 18.5 percent of mobile users searched the Internet for products or services in their local area, up from 15.6 percent in 2008. Moreover, 16.7 percent connected with a social network such as Facebook (News - Alert), up from 9.6 percent in 2008.

 

The study also revealed a growing class of "heavy users" of non-voice communications. For example, the percentage of users making more than 10 mobile Internet accesses per week continues to increase significantly, and now represents more than one-fifth of all mobile users.

 

About 48.2 percent of users sent or received more than 10 text messages per week while

21 percent had more than 10 Internet accesses per week. Some 20 percent of users sent or received more than 10 emails per week.

 

The study also revealed an increase in across-the-board use of mobile devices for commercial searches in 2009. Some 18.5 percent of mobile users searched the Internet for local products or services. About 15.9 percent obtained information about movies or other entertainment.

 

Also, 13.3 percent obtained information about restaurants or bars, while 11.1 percent searched for products or services outside their local area.

 

About four percent purchased a physical item that needed to be shipped while three percent used a coupon from their mobile phone.

 

The usage of mobile devices for viewing or sending video has increased appreciably, with the highest level of traffic in user-generated videos, according to the study. The study shows that 7.9 percent watched or purchased a TV program or segment, 11.7 percent watched or purchased a music video or internet video and 17.7 percent sent or received videos.

 

"Consumers have basically doubled their use of the mobile platform for non-voice communications," said Rick Ducey, chief strategy officer, BIA/Kelsey.