An Empirical Study of the Effect of Internet Services on the Preferential Adoption of Mobile Internet

Abstract

The revolution in wireless and cellular communications has led to a remarkable growth in smart mobile cellular devices capable of Internet access and mobile web browsing. This study empirically examined the emerging role of the mobile Internet as an alternative access channel for a growing list of applications and services. Based on a survey of 220 undergraduate students in a major university in the Middle East, we developed and tested a model where the mobile advantage of e-communication, e-transactions, e-entertainment, and e-learning were posited to influence the choice of Internet access channel, mobile or stationary. The results indicated that e-communication, e-transactions, and e-entertainment significantly influenced the choice of Internet channel, whereas access to online learning resources and services did not have such an effect. Moreover, the study did not find any significant effect of gender in this preference, pointing to the declining relevance of the gender digital divide. Some theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.