Internet penetration slows, but mobile data traffic accelerates: Meeker report

Technology analyst Mary Meeker has released the annual Internet Trends report at the Code conference, California. The slideshow extravaganza highlights several trends and also ’re-imagination’ of the Internet. The biggest ’re-imagination’ appears to be a trend toward mobile devices featuring sensors that allow sharing diverse range of information.   Among some startling revelations like dating app Tinder users swipe 800 million times each day, the report also points out how the Internet user growth has slowed down below 10 percent. It is still strong, but slowing, adds the report. The mobile data traffic is growing at the rate of 81 percent year-over-year, which includes about 22 percent video content.   Her findings reveal that the number of Internet users as well as smartphone subscribers grew manifold in 2013, but the rate of growth has now started declining. On the other hand, phone and tablet mobile data growth is on a rise.   Talking about overall mobile Internet usage, most regions of Asia and Africa have witnessed double digit growth, but there are some developed regions that have relatively slowed down, possibly due to stagnancy.   With the growth in mobile data traffic, Meeker sees a huge potential for advertising. However, currently mobile ads still seem to be understated. The report further reveals print accounts for only 6 percent of time spent, but still claims 23 percent of ad budgets. On the other hand, mobile accounts for 20 percent of time spent and claim just 4 percent of overall ad spending. However, the global internet advertising grew 16 percent this year while mobile advertising grew by 47 percent.