The Q1 2013 Global iPass Mobile Workforce Report examines the evolution of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and the hurdles to Wi-Fi connectivity. Mobile device choices are proliferating, and corporate BYOD strategies are evolving. Therefore, the mobile worker should be more productive than ever before, but that is often not the case. Our research shows that while mobile workers are leveraging a variety of mobile devices, Wi-Fi challenges and data limits are affecting productivity.
At places such as hotels (40 percent), airports (44 percent) and airplanes (44 percent), where strong Wi-Fi connectivity might be assumed, there are significant issues. Mobile workers are worried about mobile Internet data caps and high Wi-Fi “day pass” charges, which limit their productivity when it is most critical.
Cellular networks offer constant access but impose data caps and high costs. A number of mobile workers are limiting their 3G/4G data use due to plan limitations. An even higher percentage of respondents said they would curtail their data usage if mobile Internet prices continue to rise. This can be a catastrophic issue to the international mobile worker.
The corporate BYOD trend of allowing employees to work using personal devices continues to grow. Sixty-two percent of workers say they are already using personal smartphones for work. Seventy-two percent believe their personal devices should be enabled for work purposes. Consistent with this trend, the report suggests there is growing diversity in the types of devices that mobile workers are choosing to use. The device of choice has changed. In 2012 laptops were the preferred device for mobile workers. Now the device of choice is the iPhone.
Other highlights from the Q1 2013 Mobile Workforce Report include:
