Mobile is increasingly the primary platform for internet access, according to a new report from the MEF (Mobile Entertainment Forum). 

The Forums Global Consumer Survey, which questioned 8,000 consumers in nine countries across all five continents, found that 72 per cent use mobile internet on a daily basis, while 82 per cent have used their mobile phone to research or purchase a digital or physical product. 

The report also documents a rise in mFinance activity, with 57 per cent saying they have engaged in mobile banking. 10 per cent have paid a bill via mobile, according to the study. 

Security was cited as the biggest barrier to wider adoption of mCommerce activity. Says MEF global board chairman, Andrew Bud: “This global research illustrates many positive findings regarding consumer engagement across a wide range of mobile content and commerce activities in developed and developing markets. However, with 27 per cent of consumers stating they would use mobile to make purchases more often if security was addressed, the need to build trust further in order to satisfy growing consumer demand is a clear industry call to action. There is work to be done, and MEFs Global M-Commerce initiative is already addressing the issue of security as a core focus.  We invite all forward-looking companies to take part.”

Rimma Perelmuter, MEF executive director, says the research demonstrates how mobile is fast becoming the primary internet platform. “[The report] reinforces how consumers are using mobile connected devices for a wide range of content and commerce activities including research, payments and financial activities,” she says. “MEFs GCS report provides invaluable insights to both mobile specialists and new entrants to the wider ecosystem looking to gain a deeper understanding of the evolving mobile habits of consumers across developed and developing markets.”

The report is available to download free of charge for MEF members here. Non-members pay £1,999.