One-Quarter US and UK Tablet Users Activate 3G Need

Boston, MA - August 1, 2011 –Strategy Analytics research shows that tablet use now accounts for 20 percent of weekly digital media consumption -- with the average user spending one and one-half hours per day for a wide range of browsing, content and communication applications.

The Tablet and Touchscreen Devices service (TTS) report, “Tablet Usage Behavior and Wi-Fi / 3G Connectivity Expectations,” finds that over 25 percent of all tablet usage is dedicated to web browsing and email, for both owners and those who intend to purchase tablets in the near future.

In the home, tablet connectivity with Wi-Fi was almost universally preferred.  However, tablet use in most other locations showed a mixed picture which includes Wi-Fi, 3G and stand-alone operations.  This means that nearly 65-75 percent of all usage across all environments  takes place over a Wi-Fi network., These findings come from a Strategy Analytics survey of both Tablet users and future purchasers in the US and UK.

Martin Bradley, Associate Director in the Global Wireless Practice and author of the report, noted, “For both existing tablet owners and potential buyers, Strategy Analytics analysis reveals that tablets are most used for  web browsing. Another 40 percent of tablet use can be attributed to media and app store applications. Existing tablet owners enjoy exploring app store offerings, whereas future tablet buyers express interest in accessing readily available media store content.”

David Kerr, VP at Strategy Analytics added, “Although, almost half of future users are uncertain about the need for 3G, Strategy Analytics research shows that with increasing affordability, operator subsidy, point of sale promotion and multi-device data plans more tablet users will seek consistent 3G always-on connectivity.”