The mobile internet is becoming increasingly important. Four reasons which might explain this development are: (1) the bandwidth required for usage of mobile internet applications is now available. (2) Increased computing power and enhanced displays are facilitating the surfing experience. (3) Mobile network service providers have reduced the fees for mobile data transfers. (4) The number of websites especially designed for mobile use is continuously increasing.

In contrast to the increasing relevance of the mobile internet, many questions relating to users and usage have remained largely unanswered: How many mobile online users are there at present? How great is the short-term potential?

The study presented in this paper shows the proportion of mobile users within the general population, how many of them surf the internet and how many use e-mail services. We will also take a look at the near future to determine the potential of mobile internet usage. Furthermore, we will consider obstacles to the use of mobile internet following our survey.

The results are based on a telephone survey of 2,000 respondents representatively chosen from the German speaking population aged 14 years and older. The findings can be considered representative of the general population. This paper shows that the number of mobile internet users varies greatly in accordance with the used definitions. For example the inclusion or exclusion of e-mail services shows significant effects. This is crucial in order to determine the number of users that can be reached through advertising campaigns.

The paper also shows major differences between demographic groups. The usage rates specific to age, income and educational backgrounds may differ by up to factor 3! Gender also plays a key role in mobile internet usage. Also the profile of “e-mail only” users varies from that of e-mail and mobile website users.

The presented study offers insights for future empirical research as it provides guidelines on how to clearly differentiate between website and e-mail usage on mobile phones. On the other hand this presentation is directly relevant for designing ad campaigns given that the size of general and specific target groups may be identified.