Yesterday we released the November Mobile Metrics report.  This month’s report focused on WiFi usage and found that its rapidly increasing in the US and UK, led by the iPhone and iPod Touch.  In the US, 8 percent of total requests in November were on WiFi networks, up from 3 percent in August. The iPhone has by far the most WiFi usage, with 42 percent of requests in the US coming in on WiFi instead of a mobile operator network.

Today, nearly a fifth of all requests on our network come from WiFi capable devices, and that number is likely to increase with the availability of new devices such as the G1 and Bold.  In addition, devices with only WiFi connectivity, such as the iPod Touch and Sony PlayStation, are generating significant traffic.  The mobile web is starting to be used on more than just mobile phones.

Lots of people are speculating as to why iPhone users gravitate toward WiFi – is it spotty coverage on AT&T’s 3G network, the ease of access, or faster connections? It is likely that all of these play a role.  Here is on opinion from GigaOm: http://gigaom.com/2008/12/17/wi-fi-a-big-hit-on-mobile-phones/

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Happy Holidays!

Mike F.

Product Marketing