Using Mobile Broadband While on Holiday is Growing More Common

A new AeroMobile and OnePoll survey of 4,250 adults in the UK, Germany and UAE between 25th March and 7th April 2015 has shed new light on how much people use their mobile phone while abroad versus when at home, which is despite the often significantly higher roaming charges that can be incurred.

Overall the study found that 78% of tourists use their mobile phone abroad, with SMS (text messages) being the most popular service (41% used it on a daily basis at home vs 26% while on holiday) and Internet related services are also very popular.

Mind you most people will probably prefer to use hotel WiFi via their Smartphone, although the study only factored mobile data (3G / 4G) based Internet usage.

It’s likely that these figures will rise over the coming years, not least because Europe appears to have finally agreed to a new Single Telecoms Market policy that among other things will reduce and ultimately end excess roaming charges when using your mobile around EU member states (here).

Naturally AeroMobile also has its own vested interests in the results because they provide technology that allows the safe use of a passenger’s own mobile phone while on-board an aircraft. The service is available on airlines including Emirates, Etihad, Aer Lingus, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa and Virgin Atlantic.