In a recent survey conducted by RED C for the Communications Regulator of Ireland a number of trends on how consumers are using technology were unveiled. In today’s blog we share three trends that stood out from this survey and discuss the impact the change in usage of technology is having on traditional means of texting, talking and watching TV and the revenues that service providers can accrue from the subscribers as a result.

Instant messaging

From the survey it was noted that 84% of mobile phone users using social media and/or instant messaging do so at least several times a week. It’s interesting to note that of those using instant messaging 56% stated they were sending less traditional text messages and 12% stated they don’t send traditional text anymore. This is a key watch out for mobile phone service providers and the revenues they can expect to accrue from their subscribers. Could this be the early warning signs of the demise of traditional texting?

VOIP

In its infancy Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) was used by a small group of early adopters but now SKYPE and similar platforms are enjoying a much wider user base. We know from the RED C/ComReg national survey that 39% of all consumers with a fixed broadband or mobile phone subscription have used VOIP several time per month or more often. Traditional voice calls have been impacted as a result with 9% stating they have stopped making traditional calls on landline and 4% stating they have stopped making traditional calls on mobile phone in favour of VOIP.  Again further evidence of the changing face of how we are using technology.

OnDemand TV/Online subscriptions

More evidence of the change in usage of technology can be found when we consider how people choose to watch TV these days. With the increased use of catch up TV players and online subscription services such as Netflix, TV viewers are beginning to question the value of traditional paid TV subscriptions. In Dublin, 18% of households have a Netflix subscription and 3% have no standard TV subscription.

Looking at the common themes across these trends it is obvious that consumers are being offered more choice by the development of technology. This increased choice is putting more power in the hands of the consumer and perhaps less power with the service providers. Often the technology on offer is free or available for a small monthly subscription charge and offers its users an enhanced experience relative to how they were previously accessing their service.  It’s likely an evolving story and one we in RED C will be keeping a close eye on in the future.