CHICAGO-Demand for wireless data services is growing rapidly despite consumers’ fears about security, pricing and slow network speeds, according to results of a study released Tuesday.
The survey of 4,500 mobile phone users in 13 countries indicates that 41 percent of wireless users expect to be “regular or heavy” users of data services by 2005, representing a 400-percent increase in demand during the past year. Much of the growth is attributed to young consumers in the East.
“We are seeing huge growth and customer acceptance of wireless data services, particularly in Asia and among users under age 25,” said Mark Page, vice president of consulting firm A.T. Kearney, which conducted the study with the Judge Institute of Management of Cambridge University. “The industry has succeeded in enthusing the market, but clear challenges remain with respect to peoples’ comfort level with using technology more and paying higher bills.”
