IDC's Worldwide Digital Marketplace Model and Forecast shows

Dec 9, 2009 11:48 GMT  ·  By

The number of mobile Internet users is expected to grow significantly in the near future, from 450 million all around the world up to more than double by 2013, a recent report from IDC shows. According to IDC's Worldwide Digital Marketplace Model and Forecast (an IDC Database service), the increasing affordability of mobile phones and smartphones, as well as of other mobile Internet devices, will drive the number to more than one billion by that year.

“The number of mobile devices with Internet access has simply exploded over the last several years,” said John Gantz, chief research officer at IDC. “With a wealth of information and services available from almost anywhere, Internet-connected mobile devices are reshaping the way we go about our personal and professional lives. With an explosion in applications for mobile devices underway, the next several years will witness another sea change in the way users interact with the Internet and further blur the lines between personal and professional.”

IDC's Worldwide Digital Marketplace Model and Forecast also unveiled the following facts: - over 1.6 billion people used the Internet during the ongoing year, and the number is expected to top 2.2 billion by 2013 - over 1.6 billion devices were used for Internet access in 2009, and the number should reach 2.7 billion by 2013 - the largest number of Internet users is registered in China, with 359 million in 2009, expected to top 566 million by 2013 (US had 261 million users in 2009, and should reach 280 million in 2013; India should register a two-fold growth from 2009 to 2013) - the largest number of Internet connected device is in the US, with China the leader in mobile devices (around 85 million in 2009) - over 624 million Internet users will make online purchases this year, totaling $8 trillion, a sum expected to double by 2013 - spending on Internet advertising will reach $61 billion in 2009, and should top $100 billion in 2013

The research firm also shows that the activities of mobile Internet users are similar to those popular among desktop Internet users: using search engines, reading news, downloading music and videos, and accessing email or using Instant messaging applications. During the following few years, IDC says that mobile Internet users will start to enjoy applications for making online purchases, participating in online communities, and creating blogs. However, an increase in usage of online business applications is also expected to be registered.