Adoption of the Internet and Wap-enabled Phones: the Case of Singapore

The Internet, and more recently mobile phones, has seen tremendous growth over the past few years. This paper examines the adoption of the Internet and WAP-enabled mobile phones in Singapore. Specifically, we examine the profile of Internet users, Internet activities and issues relating to WAP-enabled mobile phones. The results provide researchers and practitioners with some insights on the adoption of the Internet and WAP-enabled mobile phones. For researchers, such insights would be useful in understanding the adoption phenomenon, while for practitioners, such insights would provide some basis for adopting certain policies to promote adoption. INTRODUCTION The number of Internet users has grown exponentially over the past few years. Similarly, global mobile phone penetration is expected to re ach 1 billion users by end 2002 and 1.16 billion by end 2003 [5]. Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) for mobile phones is perhaps one of the few technologies that comes close to emulating the success of the Internet. Backed by the entire telecommunication industry (through the WAP forum), coupled with the fact that it combines two of the hottest innovations – mobile phone and the Internet [4], WAP is poised to succeed the Internet as the next big thing. The initial launch of WAP-enabled mobile phones (the early flag bearer of WAP), however, failed to capture the enthusiasm of consumers despite overwhelming coverage given to it by the media. From the initial hype, to hope and finally disappointment, consumers have been taken on a roller coaster ride of emotions [6] [8]. WAP has arrived at a stage where its future remains uncertain. This study examines the adoption of the Internet and issues relating to the adoption of WAP-enabled mobile phones among Internet users. Specifically, we collected data on the following: Demographic profile of respondents; Information technology (IT) devices ownership; IT usage pattern; Internet activities; Mobile usage patterns; Perception of WAP services; and Other WAP-related issues. The results should be useful to both researchers and practitioners in understanding the adoption of Internet and WAP-enabled mobile phones in Singapore. METHOD An online questionnaire was used to gather data for this study. The URL for the survey websit e was promoted via advertisements in newsgroups, personalised emails to Internet subscribers and posting in technology-related electronic forums. Before actual administration, pretesting with Internet users was carried out and the survey modified accordingly to improve clarity and ease of understanding. 1012 usable responses were received.