Untethered Access Rules, for U.S. Android Users

A new analysis by NPD illustates the widespread use of Wi-Fi access by users of Android smart phones. In fact, Android device users on Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile USA and MetroPCS networks consume more data using Wi-Fi than they do on the mobile networks.

In some cases, as on the AT&T network, about 80 percent of all consumption is on a Wi-Fi network. Verizon Android users consume nearly two thirds of their data on a Wi-Fi network.

The point is that data consumed on a mobile data plan can represent far less than half, and in some cases as little as 20 percent,  of all data used on a smart phone. 

That usage pattern is the result of a likely combination of background drivers. For starters, much smart phone usage occurs at home or at work, where Wi-Fi access is readily available. Users also have learned they can save money by offloading access to a Wi-Fi network. 

Availability of public hotspot service also apparently encourages users to shift usage. In total, the usage pattern shows the growing importance of untethered access for today's end user devices and applications. 

Mobile is useful in many cases, to be sure. But much of the value a smart phone represents is supplied when users are in untethered modes, not full mobile scenarios.