While almost half have access to mobile internet technology, less than a third actually use it, as per the Mobile Portal online Survey.
The survey aimed to estimate the ability and willingness of people to use mobile internet in order to allow users to access information and carry out transactions instantly via handheld wireless devices. "Efforts should be made to meet the requirements of users through easy-to-use and short interactive services, rather than merely imitating internet-based services," said Salem Al Shair, director of e-Services at Dubai e-Government.
He said the Mobile Portal Online Survey aimed at gaining an understanding of people's readiness to use innovative channels in their daily transactions.
It sought to assess the feasibility of providing government services via the mobile internet as an innovative channel, for government department services, meeting customer needs and increasing usage of online services.
"The Mobile Portal Online Survey comprised of questions which focused on the demographic aspects of the respondents, the technology that supports their mobile devices and the types of services they deem beneficial," Al Shair said.
The survey generated a total of 953 responses, of which 74.1 per cent were from non-UAE nationals, and 87.7 per cent from an age group ranging between 20 to 40-year-olds.
The results showed 46.7 per cent have access to mobile internet technology, but only 30.3 per cent actually use it because of easier access to PCs and laptops, relatively high costs of mobile technology and lack of awareness.
Quelle: Gulf News, 31.07.2005
