More than 90 percent mobile Internet users in India are men

A new report by Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) and Vserv.mobi gives interesting insights about mobile Inernet usage in India. The youth is said to be very active on Internet via mobile phones. About 51 percent of the overall Internet users are in 18 to 24 years of age group, followed by 30 percent users in 25 to 35 years of age group. 10 percent users belong to the age group over 35 years and 9 percent are said to be below 18 years of age.

51 percent of the overall Internet users are in 18 to 24 years of age group

However, considering the overall number, the number of women accessing Internet via mobile is almost negligible. According to the report, over 90 percent mobile Internet users are men, leaving a meager 9 percent of women accessing Internet via mobile. The MMA survey further points out that 60 percent of the men accessing mobile Internet are tech-savvy youngsters who fall under 24 years age-group. The reason is said to be rapid penetration of mobile devices in this age group. The survey further discloses that about 70 percent of these mobile Internet users belong to the well-off section of the society.

"The Indian mobile market is at an exciting stage of growth with the current ad spend on mobile marketing estimated at Rs 300 crore and is expected to increase by close to 50 per cent in the next 12 months. This presents a significant opportunity for the eco-system," MMA Managing Director (Asia Pacific) Rohit Dadwal said.

The research suggests that smartphones and tablets along with small and medium businesses leveraging mobile will be playing a vital role in helping mobile advertising grow 43 percent to Rs 430 crore next year.