One In Five Romanian Mobile Internet Users Prefer It To Land-line Connection - Survey

05.05.2011 By Bostan Radu

Around 21% of the Romanian urban users of mobile Internet prefer it to a land-line connection, according to the study "Unlocking the Power of Mobile" by media consulting firm Initiative.

Mobile Internet use in Romania has not reached the level registered in other countries that participated in the survey, because this type of connection is perceived only as an alternative to a landline connection, says a press release issued by Initiative.

The study, developed in April 2011, comprises the answers of 800 urban mobile Internet users, aged between 16 and 45, from Romania, the United States, the UK, Italy, Sweden, Australia, the Republic of Korea, China and India.

It says 58% of Romanian mobile Internet users connect everyday, spending an average of 18 minutes online, slightly lower than the level reported in other countries - 65%.

Daily Internet use is expected to increase as mobile Internet technologies are used by more and more Romanians.

Also, 31% of Romanians' mobile phone usage is made up of data services (Internet, e-mail), text messages account for 19%, and calls for 43%. Compared to Romanian users, foreign users spend significantly more time using data services (49%) and less time texting (5%).

Romanians generally use mobile Internet for e-mail, looking up information, maps, news and social networking or games, says Initiative managing director Steve Dallas, cited in the press release.

Games, music applications, GPS and navigation software are the most popular, the study indicating that 70% of participants use at least one such application.

Initiative is a member of the Interpublic Group of Companies and affiliated with Initiative Worldwide. In Romania, Initiative is a member of the same group as Lowe&Partners, Brand Connection, GolinHarris, HyperActive and Medic One. Initiative's presence on the local market spans 17 years and its clients include Orange Romania, Ferrero, Bergenbier, Millennium Bank, Johnson&Johnson, Provident Financial, BMW, Supreme Group, KIKA.