Preferred Communication Tool: Mobile Phones Stand as Leading Option in Telecom Devices
In 2013, the telecommunications landscape in Ireland was undergoing significant changes, as revealed by ComReg's Consumer ICT survey. The survey, which gathered responses from 1,000 people nationwide, provided insights into the shifting patterns of mobile phone, landline, broadband, and television service usage.
One of the most striking findings was the high and growing usage of mobile phones. With 97% of consumers owning and using mobile phones for calls, texts, and increasingly for internet access, it was clear that mobile telecommunications was becoming increasingly prevalent.
However, the survey also showed a decline in traditional landline usage, with only 69% of consumers still using landlines. This trend mirrored the global shift towards mobile telecommunications.
The survey also highlighted an increase in broadband adoption, with 78% of households now having access to fixed broadband connections. This rise was driven by the growing need for internet access for various services such as streaming, communication, and online work.
Television service remained widely used, with 95% of households owning a television. However, there were early indications of changing consumption patterns due to the rise of digital and online content platforms.
Interestingly, just over half of those surveyed used Sky for a TV service, while 29% used UPC and 9% used Saorview.
Value for money was a key factor for Irish consumers when choosing a telecommunications service, according to Telecommunications Commissioner Kevin O'Brien. The survey revealed that 54% of consumers had smartphones, and 75% had laptops, indicating a preference for value-packed service bundles.
Indeed, a combination of landline and fixed broadband was the most popular bundle, with over half of respondents taking a bundle of telecommunications services from their telecoms supplier.
The survey also revealed that 50% of those with broadband were using the technology to make video-calls, while 50% of those surveyed were unaware of the broadband speed they were receiving.
Lastly, it was found that 76% of those questioned expressed satisfaction with their mobile phone service, and 77% expressed satisfaction with their landline service.
In urban areas, 65% of residents opted for a bundle of services, reflecting the desire for convenience and value for money.
While the exact figures and detailed insights can only be found by referring directly to the ComReg Consumer ICT survey 2013, this analysis provides a broad overview of the telecommunications trends in Ireland in 2013. The survey clearly shows a gradual move away from legacy services like fixed voice and analogue TV towards digital, mobile, and broadband services.
Smartphones and gadgets were becoming increasingly popular, with 54% of consumers owning smartphones in 2013, suggesting the growing preference for value-packed services that include these devices. Moreover, technology was reshaping the telecommunications landscape, as the survey indicated a decline in traditional landline usage due to the rising prevalence of mobile telecommunications.
