June 10th, 2010
Overseas Mobile Phone Use Heavy Despite Charges
- Results of an IID survey on mobile phone use in 6 Asian countries
The findings of an IID Incorporated (HQ: Tokyo - President & CEO: Hiroshi Miyakawa) survey of usage and opinions on mobile phones in six Asian countries show distinct differences in the countries’ handset replacement cycles, percentage of monthly income spent on mobile phone bills, and the frequency of calls and e-mails.
- Survey Method
This internet-based survey was carried out in March 2010 with 1,988 participants in six countries as follows: India (332), Indonesia (325), Thailand (331), China (335), Japan (332), and Malaysia (333).
- Survey Results
(1) Mobile Phone Usage & Preferences
The survey revealed some striking differences in mobile phone usage and tastes in Japan and other Asian countries. In Japan, ‘flip’ and ‘flip & swivel’ designs are most popular, as are handsets in different colors like red and blue, as well as black and white. In the other five countries surveyed, straight ‘bar shape’ form-factors are preferred, and black and silver are the colors of choice. The survey also shows that use of touch-panels is more prevalent in countries like China and Thailand than in Japan.
Results on mobile phone form-factors
Results on mobile phone colors
(2) Calls & E-mails
The survey showed clear differences in the frequency of calls and e-mails. In India, more than 40% of users reported “more than 25 calls per day”, and in Indonesia and other countries, more than 30% reported “more than 25 e-mails per day”, indicating intense use. Yet, in Japan, usage was less frequent, with 45.2% reporting “2-3 calls per week”, and 40.4% reporting “1-4 e-mails per week”.
Results on frequency of mobile phone calls
Results on frequency of mobile phone e-mails
(3) Mobile Phone Replacement Cycles
Regarding how often they buy new phones, nearly 80% of Chinese and Indian respondents said “within 18 months”, whereas many Japanese and Malaysian respondents said “more than 24 months” later.
Results on mobile phone replacement cycles
We also asked about monthly spending on mobile phone services. Aside from Japan, users in the 5 other countries most often reported spending 5-9% of their average monthly income on mobile phone services. Japanese users most often reported spending 1%.
- Regarding Use of Survey Results
IID, Inc. will provide the results of this survey free of charge to those who submit a request via the web site. The questionnaire used in this survey also included questions about lifestyle, so the results make it easy to get a picture of the respondents in each country. Submit your request at the URL below.
Survey Results Request URL: https://www.iid.co.jp/english/contact/ams_order_e.html
※The result of the survey is only Japanese. There are neither English nor other languages.
For inquiries on this issue, contact:
Mr. Junji Sakai
General Manager
Marketing Department
Research Division
IID, Inc.
