Mobile internet use up 25 per cent in two years

Lower tariffs and more sophisticated devices will boost growth, says MDA

16.5m people in the UK accessed the Internet using a mobile phone in May 2008

Around 16.5m people in the UK accessed the internet through their mobile phone in May 2008, according to the latest quarterly data report from the Mobile Data Association (MDA), 25 per cent more than in May 2006.

Use of mobile Internet services has grown slowly due to the high price per MB transmitted. But the MDA believes lower roaming charges and all-inclusive voice and data tariffs, combined with more sophisticated devices such as the iPhone, will help accelerate take up over the next few years.

The MDA is a non-profit organisation representing both vendors and users with the mandate of increasing awareness of mobile data technology and services.