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Almost half of mobile users still only talking, texting – GSMA

By Vincent Lemuwa
24 February 2017   |   2:07 am
Almost half of mobile phone users worldwide still only use their devices to make voice calls and send SMS, according to new consumer research by GSMA Intelligence.

PHOTO: google.com

Almost half of mobile phone users worldwide still only use their devices to make voice calls and send SMS, according to new consumer research by GSMA Intelligence.

The new Global Mobile Engagement Index (GMEI) measures the level of engagement of mobile phone users across a wide array of use cases and services.

This first-of-its-kind consumer index is based on inputs from the 2016 GSMA Intelligence consumer survey, which surveyed mobile users across 56 global markets representing 80 per cent of the world’s population. The first GMEI study is published today and will be updated on an annual basis.

The GMEI classifies mobile user engagement into four tiers: ‘Aficionados’ (the most engaged), ‘Pragmatists’, ‘Networkers’ and ‘Talkers’ (the least engaged).

The research reveals that ‘Talkers’ – those who only use their mobile phones to make voice calls and send SMS – accounted for 47 per cent of adult mobile phone owners in 2016.

However, this segment is forecast to shrink to 29 per cent of the total by 2030 as users across the developing world become more engaged due to advances in mobile innovation, affordability and availability.

Consumers can take part in an online survey here to discover which consumer segment they belong to and how they compare with those across the world that took part in the research.

“In an era of mobile being near ubiquitous around the world and at the centre of people’s lifestyles, there is a growing need to measure mobile user engagement levels to identify future industry growth opportunities,” said Hyunmi Yang, GSMA Chief Strategy Officer.

“Consumer behaviours are continuing to change as mobile devices get smarter, services grow richer and societies become more connected. The Global Mobile Engagement Index is a unique industry tool to help understand these shifting trends.”

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