SAN FRANCISCO-Slow network speeds and cumbersome user interfaces are among the issues hindering uptake of wireless data services, according to a study from Harris Interactive.
The poll, which was conducted on behalf of software developer Macromedia Inc., indicates that 81 percent of U.S. adults own cell phones. While 42 percent of consumers said they use their handsets as calendars or address books-the most popular non-voice application-more than half would like to use their phones to access traffic updates, and 42 percent said they would participate in emergency response efforts.
But 22 percent of those polled said network speeds were too slow for them to use their handsets for such uses, and 19 percent cited confusing menu options. More than one-fourth of respondents said the information available on their phones is not useful for day-to-day activities.
“Mobile customers want the ability to easily discover and use next-generation, rich data services,” said Gary Kovacs, a Macromedia vice president. “A better mobile experience would lead to increased usage and adoption.”
Harris Interactive surveyed more than 2,300 U.S. adults in the online poll.
