Popularity of mobile local search services grows

29 May 2007

Consumers are becoming more aware of the possibilities of mobile internet and the breadth of information available via the medium, new research has shown.

According to figures from m-spatial's latest Mobile Local Search Index, consumers are increasingly using their mobile phone to search for the locations of Wi-Fi hotspots and to obtain information on traffic, travel and cinema listings.

"The index again highlights the breadth of local content that users are demanding while on the move," said m-spatial CEO Andy Walker.

"Perhaps more significantly, this quarter's search index highlights the growing trend of repeat usage of mobile local search services with consumers increasingly realising the value of search, not only when in an unfamiliar area, but on a regular basis near home, when making regular journeys and when planning a night out," he continued.

Mr Walker said that this was a "significant step" in the development and adoption of local search.

Cinema came first in the table of local search categories for January to April 2007, with Odeon and Cineworld taking first and second places in the list of top ten local search brands.

A recent survey by Harris Interactive found that over half of all 16 to 24-year-olds accessed the internet via their mobile phones during a five-day study period.

Category: Natural search