UK carrier EE reveals 45% increase in communication apps usage, doubling of voice calls since lockdown began
What you need to know
- EE has revealed how lockdown has changed UK mobile data usage.
- It says it has seen a 45% increase in traffic for apps like WhatsApp, Houseparty, and Skype.
- Voice calling has also doubled, and there's been a big increase in exercise data from apps like Strava.
UK Carrier EE has revealed how lockdown is changing UK mobile data usage throughout the country.
The new report, published earlier this week highlights several big shifts in communication and how people are choosing to use their data. From the report:
EE also notes that voice calls have "surged in popularity", with calls lasting more than 5 minutes increasing by 45%.
Fitness is also driving data usage, and Strava's user count and data usage have more than tripled compared to pre-lockdown figures. MayMyRun data has also doubled. Fitbit, interestingly enough, has "fallen sharply" as overall movement and commuting has decreased in the country.
A big spike in food and online shopping deliveries was seen in March as stockpiling took hold of much of the country. These have now relaxed to normal levels as panic buying seems to have come to an end.
Naturally, takeaway services like Deliveroo spiked to an all-time high in April. Conversely, travel and transport app usage have seen a very big decline, as have ride-hailing apps like Uber.
CEO of BT's Consumer Division Marc Allera noted:
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