Smartphones have overtaken laptops as the most popular device to access internet in the UK, Ofcom research has revealed, with the average time spend online on smartphones being twice as much compared to laptops and PCs. Two thirds of people in the UK now own a smartphone, using it for nearly two hours every day to browse the internet, access social media, bank and shop online.
Ofcom also finds that a third (33%) of Internet users see their smartphone as the most important device for going online, compared to 30% who still rely on their laptops.
The surge is being driven by the increasing take-up of 4G mobile broadband, providing faster online access. During 2014, 4G subscriptions leapt from 2.7 million to 23.6 million, said Ofcom.
According to Ofcom, smartphone users with 4G are shopping online more than those without 4G (55% of 4G users do this compared with 35% of non-4G users); banking more online (55% versus 33%); watching more TV and video clips online (57% versus 40%); making more face-to-face and voice calls over the internet (28% versus 20%); sending more photos and videos via text (49% versus 36%); and instant messaging more with services such as WhatsApp (63% versus 50%).
Sharon White, Ofcom Chief Executive
Today’s report shows just how important reliable, fast internet access is to millions of consumers and businesses. Improving the coverage and quality of all communications services across the UK is a priority for Ofcom, for people at work, home or on the move.
James Thickett, Ofcom Director of Research
4G has supercharged our smartphones, helping people do everything from the weekly shop to catching up with friends with a face-to-face video call. For the first time, smartphones have overtaken laptops as the UK’s most popular internet device and are now the hub of our daily lives..
