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Study: High content pricing stifling adoption

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.-Steep prices are keeping U.S. mobile consumers from buying wireless entertainment offerings, according to a study from IDC.
The market research group found that 47 percent of the coveted 18- to 24-year-old market complained that mobile data services are “too expensive,” and nearly three-quarters of all respondents didn’t use any non-messaging data services during the third quarter of this year.
Mobile messaging services continue to gain traction, though, IDC found. Nearly half of all consumers polled used text messaging at least once during the period. And SMS subscription plans have already surpassed the 50 percent mark.
“The fact that four out of ten survey respondents feel they are overpaying for data services does not bode well for the future of this market,” said IDC analyst Lewis Ward. “The survey also revealed a small group of U.S. consumers that believes data services are a bad idea, or, worse, degrades the calling experience. Education may help this issue, but it’s clear from the survey results that many people just want to use their mobile phones to make calls.”

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