Ericsson: Mobile Coverage Among Top Factors That Contribute to Quality of City Life

• Study shows that around 40% of people in cities, such as Riyadh or Jeddah, use smartphones and rely on mobile information to solve day-to-day issues
• Mobile network coverage ranks fourth on a list of what city residents are most satisfied with

A new report from Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC), has revealed that people in large cities, such as Riyadh or Jeddah, consider mobile network coverage among the top factors that impact their quality of life, along with water distribution and the availability of social spaces, ranging from cafés to entertainment facilities.

The research conducted by Ericsson’s ConsumerLab research team, surveyed participants from around the world and found that an average of 50 percent of city dwellers use their mobile phones every day to connect to the internet, and around 40 percent own a smartphone. 

“These findings will probably not come as a surprise to a resident of Riyadh or Jeddah, who has become accustomed to relying on mobile-based service to communicate, find information and solve day-to-day challenges, while on the go,” said Anders Lindblad, president of Ericsson Region Middle East. 

He added: “What is significant, however, is the level of emphasis being placed on reliable mobile connectivity when, just one generation ago, access to electricity and water would have dominated basic human needs. What is clearly reflected in these findings is the fact that we are fast evolving into what, we at Ericsson call, a ‘Networked Society’ where everything that can be connected will be connected.”

Significantly, the study also found that people living in cities are also more socially active, with wider social circles, than people not living in cities. Other highlights listed for living in a city are the accessibility to restaurants, cafés, entertainment facilities, and markets. On the other hand, poor air quality and lack of parking can impact dissatisfaction.

"Urbanization is a global mega-trend. City populations grow by 7500 people per hour, and people are clearly feeling some stress from overcrowding. But we also see how people in cities use ICT as a means to alleviate such feelings and to better experience city life," said Michael Björn, Head of Research at Ericsson ConsumerLab.