That's 25 per cent growth since May 2006, but the Mobile Data Association calls for greater price transparency.
The MDA says 16.5 million people accessed the mobile internet in May 2008, representing 25 per cent growth since May 2006 and equivalent to an average of 4,500 new users every day, 31,587 per week and 136,875 per month.The industry body predicts that the mobile internet will become a 'true rival' for desktop internet access, with growth of around 20 per cent predicted for 2009.
Meanwhile, the MDA report says 10 million picture and video messages (MMS) are sent each week in the UK, representing 30 per cent year-on-year growth.
What's more, SMS continue to grow, with UK mobile users now sending a staggering 1.4 billion text messages a week.
Steve Reynolds, chairman of the MDA. said: “There remain a number of challenges that mobile operators need to address to accelerate the growth of mobile internet. The MDA is calling for greater price transparency on the costs associated with [its use]. The findings of this report suggest a real consumer appetite, but confusion and fear over costs may be holding back growth."
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