Mobile internet growth doubles YOY in Malaysia : Nielsen

The survey took place between October and November last year, polling up to 4,000 consumers about their usage of mobile phones and the internet, across the country.

The highest internet usage was recorded among consumers aged 20 to 24 years-old, where six out of 10 were internet users. This youth group has grown up with the internet, spending an average of 22.3 hours online per week.

According to Nielsen director of client service for consumer research Luca Griseri, 72 per cent cited better coverage as the most important factor determining their overall satisfaction with internet service providers (ISPs). Better speed follows with 54 per cent, better quality services with 40 per cent and better rates with 39 per cent.

Mobility emerged as the main consideration for subscribing to mobile broadband, where market share doubled from 20 per cent in 2009 to 54 per cent in 2010. Laptops and netbooks were the devices most frequently used to access the internet with 55 per cent, followed by desktop with 34 per cent and mobile phones with 11 per cent.

Griseri said that despite accounting for the least among the devices, mobile phone usage will increase due to the key requirements of mobility, flexibility and accessing the internet anytime, anywhere.

Fixed broadband decreased from 65 to 42 per cent in 2010, while dial-up only returned two per cent of subscribers, down from 13 per cent in 2009.

Griseri goes on to recommend that ISP companies should simplify the product and service offer, as well as price structure, in catering to different groups of consumers.