Technology 7 July 2015

Global Internet Report 2015

Mobile Evolution and Development of the Internet

While there’s no question that the mobile Internet is changing everything, there are still big reasons why people aren’t logging on. The 2015 Global Internet Report presents data that shows it’s not always a question of if it’s available, but rather how cost and a lack of useful content are core to why people are not opting in.

While things need to change, together we have the power to find new solutions so everyone is able to seize the potential of the mobile Internet.

Introduction

We focus this year’s report on the mobile Internet for two reasons. First, as with mobile telephony, the mobile Internet does not just liberate us from the constraints of a wired connection, but it offers hundreds of millions around the world their only, or primary, means of accessing the Internet. Second, the mobile Internet does not just extend the reach of the Internet as used on fixed connections, but it offers new functionality in combination with new portable smart devices.

The benefits of the mobile Internet should not come at the expense of the founding principles of the Internet that led to its success. The nature of the Internet should remain collaborative and inclusive, regardless of changing means of access. In particular, the mobile Internet should remain open, to enable the permission-less innovation that has driven the continuous growth and evolution of the Internet to date, including the emergence of the mobile Internet itself.

Report Highlights

  • Executive Summary (pg.6)
  • Trends and Growth (pg.40)
  • Benefits of the Mobile Internet (pg.68)
  • Challenges of the Mobile Internet (pg.92)
  • Recommendations (pg.124)
  • Data

Timeline of Milestones in the Development of the Mobile Internet

2000
GPRS

Introduction

2000
Oct 2001
3G

Launch

Oct 2001
Jun 2007
iPhone

Introduction

Jun 2007
Jul 2008
App Store

Introduction

Jul 2008
Oct 2008
Android Market

Introduction

Oct 2008
Apr 2009
BlackBerry App Store

Introduction

Apr 2009
Dec 2009
4G

Launch

Dec 2009
Oct 2010
Windows Phone

Introduction

Oct 2010
Dec 2010
Mobile Broadband

more than 50% of access in developing countries.

Dec 2010
May 2012
App Usage

more than 50% of online usage on a smartphone

May 2012
Apr 2013
Firefox OS

Introduction

Apr 2013
Jul 2013
50 Billion

Google Play downloads total

Jul 2013
Aug 2013

More Tablets Than Laptops Sold

Aug 2013
Sep 2013

More Smartphones Than Non-Smartphones Sold Worldwide

Sep 2013
Jun 2014
75 Billion iOS Downloads Total

More than half of online time was on mobile apps in the USA

Jun 2014
Sep 2014

More Smartphones Than Non-Smartphones Sold in Developing Countries

Sep 2014
May 2015
3 Billion

Users

May 2015
Oct 2015

More Tablets Sold Than Total PCs

Oct 2015
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