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News
Issue #2002 - 23
(June 2002)
(Updated June
19, 2002)
MARKET
OUTLOOK & TRENDS
American Mobile Users Rate
Location-Based Services as Number One
American mobile phone users
have deemed practical, interactive location-based services more
valuable than such commonplace applications as wireless e-mail and
news alerts, according to IDC’s annual survey of 700 households
with mobile phones.
Three location-based services topped the list: emergency
assistance, navigation services (offering driving directions) and
concierge services (finding the nearest gas station or bank) —
emergency assistance was the leader by far, with the largest
endorsement from users age 60 to 64.
"Mobile phone users are very interested in location-based
services, as long as it is self-initiated and privacy issues are
proactively addressed," said Scott Ellison, program director of
IDC’s Wireless and Mobile Communications research.
Other Findings
- On average, women rated the three location-based services higher
than men.
- Navigational services were rated higher among men than access to
stock quotes or news reports.
- Users under the age of 25 are far more interested in new mobile
services than their older counterparts.
- Majority of mobile phone calls are made outside the car.
- Long-distance calls account for one-third of all calls.
- Americans are continuing to replace their second wireline phone
with a wireless phone, at a rate of 12 percent.
- Top wireless phone features: handset price, easy text entry,
larger display screens, voice recognition and text messaging.
For more information: http://www.idc.com
MobileInfo.com’s Comments & Advisory: We
are not surprised at IDC's survey results - consumers do want location-based
services. Real issue is how vendors execute these and at what price they
offer these services.
Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in
developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology
architectures. All trademarks used in this summary are
the property of their respective owners.
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