Americans Clueless About Data Usage, at Home and Abroad

More than half of Americans state they have no idea how much mobile data they use on a weekly basis. The other half are way off. And the delusional ones don’t think they use any data.

LUXEMBOURG - September 3rd, 2015 - Today, MTX Connect, mobile operator providing data-only plans for travelers going to Europe, announced the results of a survey conducted among 500+ consumers, to help travelers avoid skyrocket data roaming charges and understand their data behavior while abroad.

The survey findings reveal that the majority of mobile subscribers are unaware about their personal data usage and mobile behavior, both at home and abroad. According to Mobidia, today U.S. wireless customers consume 1.8 GB of cellular data every month. Compare this number to a 2012 Nielsen report, where average data usage was just 450 MB per month, and it’s clear to see that your mobile usage is increasing with today’s constant need to interact via email, message and social.

First thing to understand is that the majority of Americans only travel abroad a few times in their life, with 44% of survey respondents not having traveled abroad in over 2 years. When approaching this demographic, it’s essential to educate them on how travel expenses can easily add up and steering them in a budget friendly direction through helpful travel products, tips and tricks.

According to the survey, an alarming 57% of people “have no idea” how much data they use daily. This is dangerous for travelers because not knowing your data habits is one reason why roaming costs can add up quickly. Furthermore, over 73% of people do not have a current international plan as part of their mobile service and therefore, will need to buy data if they are going abroad (oh, and over 78% of them would prefer to pay $50 or less for data).

More than half of the respondents will opt to find Wi-Fi (60%), but this is not always accessible, especially when you are outside your home country and come across obstacles such as language barriers and/or weak signals. Additionally, over 50% think their only alternative to Wi-Fi is paying for data roaming or a fixed data plan from their mobile carrier. Both of these options can be expensive, unreliable and difficult for users to monitor usage.

“The majority of subscribers do not understand how to adapt their mobile habits when abroad. Some travelers choose not to use data and be unreachable while on vacation. But for many, traveling with a cellphone is practical and convenient, and can provide added security in unfamiliar territory, as well as making it easier to reach cab companies, airlines and the like.” - says Ilya Balashov, MTX Connect co-founder.

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About MTX Connect:

Founded in 2013, MTX Connect is a full MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) specializing in broadband internet access services for travelers and serving customers from Europe, North America and Asia, and specific countries through Africa and Australasia. MTX Connect is headquartered in Luxembourg with branch office in Prague, Czech Republic.

Learn more at www.mtxc.eu

Press Contact:
Phil Akhnazarov
MTX Connect
phil.akhnazarov@mtxc.eu