FOR STRESSED CITY FOLK, SMART PHONES ARE A BOON: REPORT

In a new report by its ConsumerLab research team, Ericsson looks at the aspects of satisfaction in city life based on environment and social networking.

Among the findings are that people in mega-cities give mobile network coverage the fourth-highest satisfaction rating alongside water distribution and the availability of social spaces, ranging from cafés to entertainment facilities. 

On the other hand, poor air quality and lack of parking can impact dissatisfaction.

“Urbanisation is a global mega-trend. City populations grow by 7,500 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.

The highlights for living in a city are the accessibility to restaurants, cafés, entertainment facilities, and markets. People in cities are more socially active, and their social circle spreads wider than people not living in cities.

Low-lights have to do with crowds and traffic.  The survey found that the average commute time in the 13 cities was two hours, 20 minutes per day. Björn said: “People are more relaxed when they know how long their commute will take, as this enables them to use their time more efficiently. Smart phones are becoming an invaluable tool on the daily commute.

“Knowing the ways in which people choose to commute helps us to determine what services they find the most beneficial.  For example, people who commute by bike would benefit from knowing where they can use cycle lanes. Those who use public transport would benefit from real-time updated timetables and travel planners. Or, for those who drive, a GPS travel planner with access to real-time traffic data would save considerable time and stress,” he concluded.

Ericsson ConsumerLab is a knowledge-based organisation that collects and supplies consumer insights to influence and improve strategy, marketing and product management within the Ericsson Group. Ericsson ConsumerLab has more than 15 years’ experience in consumer values and behavioural research, including the way consumers think and act about ICT products and services. This insight helps operators to develop attractive revenue-boosting services.