Report Claims Only 5 percent Of All Tablet Users Have Wireless Data Plans

By: Talha Bhatti  |   July 26th, 2013   |   Business, News, Tablets

A tablet is extremely more functional when it has a data plan because it allows the users to be mobile and connected. However, a research conducted by Analyst Craig Moffet shows that only five percent of all tablet users have wireless data plans. Browsing the internet on a tablet away from a wifi connection is possible only by having a wireless data plan but most tablet owners choose not to have a wireless data plan.

 

Moffet believes that only about 20 percent of all tablets sold are data enabled. Furthermore, half of the buyers choose not to use internet on their device. Eventually, only 5 percent of all tablet users end up having wireless data connections.

 

“The stat may sound a little extreme, but when you think about the logistics, most wireless data plans don’t really make sense when it comes to tablet usage. Tablet owners don’t frequently use their devices in open fields or underground parking lots. More often than not they are in their offices, classrooms, living rooms or coffee shops, which have their own source of wifi. So it is no surprise that most tablet owners choose to opt out of data plans”, reports Techvibes.com.

 

“Moffet is hoping his research would change the way carriers like AT&T manages their data revenue. But further more, he wants to change the way people think about tablet Internet usage, specifically in the world of media business. Unlike those easily accessible smartphones, tablets are devices we use to unwind or focus. Therefore, we like to settle down with a tablet, read the news, watch a movie or play a game”, the website further added.

 

However, the stats are not as extreme as they may sound as most tablet owners do not need wireless data plans since they mostly use their devices in offices, classrooms, restaurants, coffee shops and living room, where they can get access to free wifi connection.

 

“Wireless data connection is a luxury tablet owners cannot afford or don’t consider worthwhile. Perhaps one day the technology would change, but for now it is a premium that most people would choose to forego”, said Moffet.

 

Unlike a mobile phone that is easily accessible, tablets are devices that we want to use for focusing on specific tasks such as reading the news, playing a game or watching a movie. Tablets are, perhaps, not specifically designed for media business use and therefore Moffet suggest carriers like AT&T and T Mobile should start managing their data more efficiently.

Source: TechVibes