Cellular Data Fails To Impress Businesses: Survey

Consumers, particularly those in the U.S., remain unimpressed with cellular data offerings and only one-third of U.S. businesses are using or testing such services, a user survey by Yankee Group released Tuesday claims.

The survey found that 40 percent of all U.S. businesses with more than 500 employees have acquired mobile services, including voice. That includes about 50 million workers, according to the survey. And while 35 percent of those businesses are either using or testing cellular data services, 36 percent said they had no plans to do so, the survey found.

Consumers in the U.S. were even more indifferent to data, with only younger users showing much interest. Instead, consumers decide which carrier to use more based price and on peer pressure and the carrier used by other family members, according to the survey.

The survey found a majority of consumers are dissatisfied with the value they are receiving from their wireless operator even as cellular data is starting to elicit interest. The study found that picture messaging is starting to catch on in Europe and that music is also likely to catch on.

Business adoption of cellular service in Europe remains somewhat behind the U.S., with only 37 percent of companies with more than 500 employees purchasing cellular services. European businesses also are less interested in cellular data, with only 27 percent using or testing it and 37 percent saying they had no cellular data service planned for the future.However, European small businesses are much more interested in cellular data, with 56 percent saying they are using or testing such services.