Usage of mobile data services, which enable people to access the Internet, email and other multimedia on the move, is growing rapidly in the European Union as mobile broadband networks proliferate and prices fall, according to the GSM Association<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
A press release from the GSMA highlights the dramatic growth of mobile data consumption in the EU. Based on studies by Wireless Intelligence and consultancy AT Kearney for the GSMA, some of the key points from the release include:<\/p>\n
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- The EU\u2019s mobile data market* grew by 40% to 7 billion euros in 2007.<\/li>\n
- In 2007, operators invested more than 20 billion euros in enhancing their mobile networks and services.<\/li>\n
- In the year to April 2008, the number of 3G users in the EU doubled to 112 million. Europe has adopted 3G faster than any other region of the world.<\/li>\n
- The average retail price of data roaming, which enable travelers to access multimedia services using a mobile phone or laptop, fell by 25 per cent in the year to April 2008 in the EU and that EU data roaming traffic grew 75% over the same period. <\/li>\n
- The average price of text messaging roaming services fell 18 per cent in the year to April 2008.<\/li>\n<\/ul >\n