Smartphones are now the most popular devices from which to access the internet in the UK.
That’s according to new figures released by Ofcom, which reveal our handsets account for a third of web access.
In 2014, by contrast, smartphones accounted for a more paltry 23% of internet access.
The report claims the impetus behind our growing fondness for all things mobile is the expansion of high-speed 4G networks.
Having nippy internet speeds while on the move makes it significantly easier to watch heavy content such as Netflix or BBC iPlayer.
However, the unfortunate casualty of Brits opting for their smartphones is the humble laptop.
According to the report, laptops accounted for 40% of online connections in 2014. That’s now dropped to 30% in 2015, and looks likely to continue falling.
The reasoning behind that is more adults have smartphones now than ever before. At present, two-thirds of us have a mobile phone, which is a rise from 39% in 2012.
What’s more, the amount of time we spend on smartphones to access the internet now sits at 1 hr 54 mins per day on average.
“You can see these devices are becoming more and more an important hub of information and communication throughout the day, with smartphone owners spending almost two hours [on them] each day – almost double the time that those people are spending on their laptop or desktop,” says Jane Rumble, Ofcom’s director of market intelligence.
Related: Best Smartphones 2015
Rumble went on to explain how young people are one of the biggest driving factors behind the shift.
“Those aged 16 to 24, as well as 25 to 34, are much more likely to say their smartphone is the most important device to get online. The older age groups are much more likely to be sticking with their laptop. This is a landmark shift.”
The research also revealed that 34% of UK adults use their smartphone within five minutes of waking up. That rises to 49% in the 18-24 age group.
Is the smartphone your favourite way to browse the web? Let us know in the comments section below.
Check out our smartphone group test video:
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
