Analysis of mobile internet usage among early‐adopters

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify several measures that reflect the diffusion of the mobile internet.

Design/methodology/approach

The measurements are implemented with a newly developed handset‐based mobile service research platform that provides a novel way to accurately identify trends taking place in mobile service usage. These measures are demonstrated in a case example comparing Finnish early‐adopter smartphone users between 2005 and 2006 (500 and 695 users).

Findings

The results indicate that the mobile internet has not yet emerged on a large scale in Finland. On the contrary operators have slightly increased their power, potentially because handset bundling with mobile subscriptions is now allowed in Finland.

Research limitations/implications

The measurement framework can be further utilized in both cross‐sectional and longitudinal study settings in evaluating the emergence of the mobile internet. No other empirical research method provides the accuracy and scope of usage measurements done with the handset‐based research platform. However, the shortcomings of the new method should be realized.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that the mobile internet has not emerged widely, even in early‐adopter user segments.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the measurement of mobile internet service usage. Mobile internet services are currently emerging in early‐adopter user segments. These services might shake the dynamics of the mobile services industry by introducing different kinds of technical innovation and business logic.

Citation

Verkasalo, H. (2009), "Analysis of mobile internet usage among early‐adopters", info, Vol. 11 No. 4, pp. 68-82. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636690910970982