Percentages of mobile phone owners using various mobile phone features 2006-2010

The table illustrates the changing usage patterns of seven different mobile phone features among owners between 2006 and 2010. Overall, it is clear that while traditional functions like calling remained stable, there was a marked increase in the popularity of more sophisticated digital activities.

Making calls was the most prevalent activity, consistently utilised by almost all owners, with figures remaining at 100% in 2006 and 2008 before a marginal dip to 99% in 2010. Similarly, the proportion of people sending and receiving text messages and taking photos grew steadily. Text messaging rose from 73% to 79% over the four-year period, while photo-taking increased from 66% to 76%.

In contrast, other features experienced more dramatic growth. Searching the internet, which had no recorded data in 2006, saw a substantial rise from 41% in 2008 to 73% by 2010. Likewise, the percentage of users recording video surged from 9% to 35% during the same timeframe. Playing games saw a sharp initial increase from 17% to 42% between 2006 and 2008, followed by a slight plateau at 41% in 2010. Finally, music playback showed a consistent upward trajectory, climbing from 12% to 26% throughout the period.