Connected everything

Expect one billion mobile data connections by 2013.

The number of mobile devices accessing the Internet is expected to pass the one billion mark by 2013, according to analyst outfit IDC.

With just about every device able to connect to the Internet these days, IDC reckons there are now around 450 million mobile Internet users worldwide, and it expects this number to continue to soar as the world plus dog connects to the world wide web with their mobile phone, netbook, toaster and so on.

"The number of mobile devices with Internet access has simply exploded over the last several years," said John Gantz, chief research officer at IDC.

"With a wealth of information and services available from almost anywhere, Internet-connected mobile devices are reshaping the way we go about our personal and professional lives. With an explosion in applications for mobile devices underway, the next several years will witness another sea change in the way users interact with the Internet and further blur the lines between personal and professional."

As it stands, according to Gantz, the user to device ratio is about one to one, with about 1.6 billion users around the globe accessing the Internet in some way, shape or form in 2009. Similarly, around 1.6 billion devices, including PCs, mobile phones, and online videogame consoles, are used to access the Internet.

The report predicts that by 2013 around 2.7 billion people will be accessing the Internet from 2.7 billion different devices.

Despite the smaller screen and slower connection, we're apparently using the Internet much the same way while we're out and about as we do at a desk, namely using search engines, reading news and sports information, downloading music and videos, and sending and receiving emails and instant messages.

IDC reckons that between now and 2013 we'll increasingly be using the mobile web for online shopping, creating blogs and accessing online business applications and corporate email systems.

This sounds a lot like what we're using it for today, but perhaps we're just the exception.

Behind the scenes with Mass Effect 3! GTX 560 VGA round-up! Essential Skyrim tweaks to improve your game! Plus reviews, news, hardware, more games, and easy to following modding guides for PC builders. ON SALE NOW!

Ads by Google

7 Comments

wlayton27 Dec 11, 2009 2:43 PM	Don't most people have access to the interwebz via more than one device? I always thought that the case... Statistics always sound skewed, and these are not special.
fliptopia Dec 11, 2009 6:43 PM	"we're apparently using the Internet much the same way while we're out and about as we do at a desk" Never looked at porn while out and about...
CAPS LOCK Dec 11, 2009 8:15 PM	@fliptopia, should give it a try. theres nothing better than perusing porn on a public bus or walking down a busy street or shopping centre, and trying to get it off without others noticing. the problem is, what to do with the result. i reccomend you give it a try some time.
CK Dec 11, 2009 8:35 PM	"connects to the world wide web with their mobile phone, netbook, toaster and so on." Just what I needed, a toaster connected to the web to order me bread when i run out, or a fridge to order beer when it is running low. A most excellent use for the internets.
nicktangents Dec 12, 2009 5:27 PM	Cisco have been scare-mongering lately about how telcos won't be able to keep with demand. In 18 months, the mobile web has flipped from "who would use that?" and carriers saying "we are better than fixed-line comms!" to everyone using it and carriers panicking about keeping up with demand. What will happen when there are ten devices connected in each room? Femtocells, anyone?
widow_mak3r Dec 12, 2009 10:49 PM	only thing comes to mind is price. the cost of access internet via mobile or 3G wireless dongle is (for me) too expensive. i would happily connect to the internet via my mobile or another bit of tech but the cost of doing so would clean me out for the month. but i do love wifi :3, using my ipod touch to find unsecured wifi spots. thoes wifi spots will be my access in 2013 haha. another point i should say (that pretty much destroys my argument) is that pricing of tech and access should go down by 2013. Services such as internet access should be cheaper in price but no doubt it will be under a contract and with fine print.
Awatif Jun 8, 2010 2:50 PM	It's very important taking into account the growth of large numbers of mobile phones on the year, as in the article that by 2013, will prepare to mobile phones doubled and multiplied, and this I think for me it's probably more thought to increase The important question that should be put on trial or are you treated the mobile service, like the internet through computer equipment or mobile phones of private companies or public enterprises you have a special case, and my question is in terms of Are any internet filtering devices only or Laptop computers with or notebook will have a filtering or filtering the net also includes mobile phones, and I think that by the following years will evolve the concept of the mobile phone becomes a broad, like computer.

Comments have been disabled on this article.

Latest Competitions

Thermaltake kicks off your gaming year with a BANG
Thermaltake has started off the new year with a bang by giving away a Tt eSport Theron Laser mouse to not one or two, but TWENTY lucky Atomicans!

Atomic Magazine

Issue: 133 | February, 2012

Atomic is a magazine aimed squarely at computer enthusiasts, gamers, and serious PC upgraders.

Every month we bring you the latest reviews of new technology and PC components, in depth features on everything from overclocking to console hacking, and gaming previews and interviews.

What's in this issue?