Industry analysts CCS Insight today unveiled a report on what is driving the use of the mobile Internet among young adults in the UK today.

The report, based on a survey of more than 1,000 adults between 16 and 35 years old, offers insights into the mobile Internet habits of this technology-savvy and demanding consumer group.

Key themes to emerge from the report are:

• Mobile Internet use is growing at a phenomenal rate; social networking is driving that growth with a third of young adults regularly accessing Facebook and Twitter from their mobiles
• Men are twice as likely as women to access the Internet through their mobile phone
• Young adults expect mobile content – especially music and videos – to be free
• BBC iPlayer is the service people would most like to see on their phones

Paolo Pescatore, report author and Head of Mobile Content at CCS Insight, said:

“The Web is revolutionising the way people use mobile phones. Forget music downloads and video – social networking is what people want. Media owners and operators will have to find new ways to make money from their assets.”

“And it’s clear from the report that the industry could do a better job marketing to women. Some networks and phone-makers have got it right. Their rivals are leaving money on the table.”

CCS Insight says BBC iPlayer will be the next catalyst in mobile Internet growth.