Smartphones are cruise passengers top choice for Web connection

A survey by MTN Communications found a dramatic shift
in the devices passengers use to connect to the Internet.

MTN
Communications, a leading provider of telecom services to cruise ships, said that its study found mobile phones are now the primary
means of connection when cruise passengers link to their Internet accounts.

In 2010 it
found 94% of the devices connected to MTN internet accounts on ships were
desktop or laptop computers. Only 1% were phones. By last year, that split had
turned, with 60% of the connections recorded as cell phones and only 20%
laptops or desktops. 

Tablet devices
accounted for 5% of connections in 2010 and 20% last year, MTN said.

MTN cited several
factors in the shift, including its rollout of an “Internet Cafe” solution that
offers an account with seamless switching between devices. MTN has also
implemented a hybrid sea-land satellite and WiFi system that provides more
bandwidth and greater transmission speeds, and has switched its billing model
from one based on time used to one based on data consumed.

MTN said
over the past two years, it has seen a 500% jump in megabyte consumption, a 40%
increase in the number of Internet users and a 35% increase in Internet
revenue.