ACMA says smartphone ownership is soaring

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has released data showing that almost half of the country’s adult population own a smartphone. For the twelve months to May 2012, the number of smartphones doubled to 8.67 million. Mobile internet subscriptions are also growing strongly, rising 22% during the six months to June 2012 to reach 22.1 million. ‘The extraordinary rate of adoption and greater usage of smartphones underlines the critical and increasing importance of mobile and 4G services,’ said ACMA chairman, Chris Chapman. ‘To support these wireless services, high speed mobile broadband, ‘fit for purpose’ spectrum frameworks and availability, and efficient infrastructure are the new essentials.’