Mobile and Social Big in U.K., What Does it Mean?

New data from the U.K.'s Office of National Statistics illustrates widespread mobile usage, broadband mobile access, use of social networks and shopping activity. None of that is surprising. The more interesting question is what it ultimately will mean for new applications and businesses that assume the existence of such infrastructure, much as virtually all businesses assume the existence of electricity, running water, roads, postal service and air travel.

Among other things, one might presume that ubiquitous use of mobile devices, social networks, mobile broadband and comfort with shopping from a mobile will be key factors for emerging mobile payments and wallet ventures, not to mention other forms of mobile commerce, advertising and promotion.

Some 91 percent of young adults connect to social networking sites, and nearly half of all Web users accessing the Internet via their mobile phone. U.K. mobile social networking, Web use

About 45 percent of Internet users accessed the Internet via a mobile phone in 2011. You can see the full report here

In 2011, 32 million people (66 per cent of all adults) purchased goods or services over the Internet as well, an increase from 62 per cent in 2010.

Clothes and sporting goods were the most popular online purchase in 2011, with 46 per cent of Internet
users buying these items.

Those aged 65 and over were the only age group not to report clothes and sporting goods as the most
popular purchase. Instead, 29 per cent of Internet users in this age group favoured the online
purchase of "other travel arrangements" which includes flights, car rental and other transport tickets.

Access to the Web while on the move is a growing trend, with 4.9 million people connecting from wireless hotspots in 2011, double the numbers from 2010.

Social networking, likewise, is becoming more popular, with 57% of adult Internet users using online social networks in 2011, up from 43% in 2010.

Young consumers are leading the trend, with 71% of 16-24 year olds using their phone to access the Web, and an overwhelming 91% now using social networking sites.

Mobile and social to emerge as power channels for banking