A recent survey of international mobile data users has revealed that connectivity and access to the Internet at all times is a top priority.

 

The survey, conducted by mobile broadband gateway provider Stoke and international Wi-Fi access provider Trustive, found that even though users select their mobile provider by price, high quality coverage is essential.

 

According to Barry Hill, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Stoke (News - Alert), the survey reveals that mobile data users are voting with their feet on the issues of price, flexibility and service quality. Unless users find innovative solutions, mobile broadband providers will face the problem of how to provide the service users expect at a reasonable price.

 

Eighty-five percent of survey respondents chose price as the most important factor in the selection of a Wi-Fi access provider. In addition, high quality national and international coverage was a top priority for more than 60 percent of users.

 

A significant factor in determining satisfaction with the access available while traveling is the ability to access applications. Survey respondents confirmed that staying connected with business by accessing emails was the most important element of Wi-Fi access with the ability to use VoIP and IM second and third in importance.

 

Also, among those surveyed, 40 percent said they want to be connected and available for business interaction at all times. Only 3 percent said their bosses require them to be connected and 65 percent of respondents described themselves as network-centric, accessing the network whenever they needed to download materials rather than carrying their information with them.