U.S. Experiences 80 Percent Growth in 3G Subscribers
Reston, VA, September 4, 2008 – Comscore, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCOR), a leader in measuring the digital world, today reported that after a slower start, the United States has caught up with Western Europe in the adoption of 3G with 28.4 percent of American mobile subscribers having 3G devices versus 28.3 percent in the largest countries in Europe.
The number of U.S. subscribers with 3G enabled devices has grown 80 percent to 64.2 million during the past year. The market has responded enthusiastically as mobile vendors have rolled out their enhanced networks and a new crop of 3G enabled devices. The only individual major European countries exceeding the U.S. in 3G penetration are Italy and Spain.
“For years, the American mobile industry has aspired to the level of sophistication of the European market,” observed Mark Donovan, senior vice president and senior analyst, Comscore. “Today, Americans have finally caught up with Europeans in adoption of 3G. The advancements in 3G network technology and the introduction of sleek devices into the U.S. market have paid off as adoption of mobile media continues to grow at a rapid pace.”
Percent of Subscribers with 3G Devices3-Month Average Ending June 2008 and June 2007 Source: Comscore MobiLens
Penetration June 2007
Penetration
June 2008
Point Change June 07 vs June 08
Germany
15.1%
23.9%
8.1
Spain
22.5%
37.2%
14.7
France
12.6%
17.1%
4.5
Italy
32.1%
38.3%
6.2
United Kingdom
19.9%
27.6%
7.7
European Total (5 countries)
20.3%
28.3%
8.0
United States
16.7%
28.4%
11.7
Total Subscribers with 3G Devices 3-Month Average Ending June 2008 and June 2007 All Mobile Subscribers 13+ Source: Comscore MobiLens
Subscribers June 2007
Subscribers
Growth Y/Y
7,021
11,732
67.1%
7,207
12,640
75.4%
5,616
7,958
41.7%
14,462
18,008
24.5%
8,964
13,100
46.1%
43,270
63,437
46.6%
35,651
64,207
80.1%
NOTE TO EDITORS: Comscore M:Metrics analysts will be available for commentary at the CTIA Wireless IT & Entertainment conference in San Francisco September 10-12. Journalists seeking data and insight at the show should contact Jaimee Steele at +1.206.390.6637.
About ComscoreComscore, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCOR) is a global leader in measuring the digital world and a preferred source of digital marketing intelligence. In an independent survey of 800 of the most influential publishers, advertising agencies and advertisers conducted by William Blair & Company in July 2008, Comscore was rated the ‘most preferred online audience measurement service’ by 54% of respondents, a full 20 points ahead of its nearest competitor.
Comscore’s capabilities are based on a massive, global cross-section of approximately 2 million Internet users who have given Comscore permission to confidentially capture their browsing and transaction behavior, including online and offline purchasing. Comscore panelists also participate in survey research that gathers and integrates their attitudes and intentions. Using its proprietary technology, Comscore measures what matters across a broad spectrum of digital behavior and attitudes, helping clients design more powerful marketing strategies that deliver superior ROI. With its recent acquisition of M:Metrics, Comscore is also a leading source of data on mobile usage. Comscore services are used by more than 1100 clients, including global leaders such as AOL, Microsoft, Yahoo!, BBC, Carat, Cyworld, Deutsche Bank, France Telecom, Best Buy, The Newspaper Association of America, Financial Times, ESPN, Fox Sports, Nestlé, Starcom, Universal McCann, the United States Postal Service, the University of Chicago, Verizon Services Group and ViaMichelin. For more information, visit www.comscore.com.