USA Overtakes Europe in 3G Phone Usage

comScore has reported that after a slower start, the United States has caught up with Western Europe in the adoption of 3G with 28.4 percent of American mobile subscribers having 3G devices versus 28.3 percent in the largest countries in Europe.

The number of U.S. subscribers with 3G enabled devices has grown 80 percent to 64.2 million during the past year. The market has responded enthusiastically as mobile vendors have rolled out their enhanced networks and a new crop of 3G enabled devices. The only individual major European countries exceeding the U.S. in 3G penetration are Italy and Spain.

"For years, the American mobile industry has aspired to the level of sophistication of the European market," observed Mark Donovan, senior vice president and senior analyst, comScore. "Today, Americans have finally caught up with Europeans in adoption of 3G. The advancements in 3G network technology and the introduction of sleek devices into the U.S. market have paid off as adoption of mobile media continues to grow at a rapid pace."

Percent of Subscribers with 3G Devices
3-Month Average Ending June 2008 and June 2007

	Penetration June 2007	Penetration June 2008	Point Change June 07 vs June 08
Germany	15.1%	23.9%	8.1
Spain	22.5%	37.2%	14.7
France	12.6%	17.1%	4.5
Italy	32.1%	38.3%	6.2
United Kingdom	19.9%	27.6%	7.7
European Total (5 countries)	20.3%	28.3%	8.0
United States	16.7%	28.4%	11.7

Total Subscribers with 3G Devices
3-Month Average Ending June 2008 and June 2007

	Subscribers June 2007	Subscribers June 2008	Growth YoY
Germany	7,021	11,732	67.1%
Spain	7,207	12,640	75.4%
France	5,616	7,958	41.7%
Italy	14,462	18,008	24.5%
United Kingdom	8,964	13,100	46.1%
European Total (5 countries)	43,270	63,437	46.6%
United States	35,651	64,207	80.1%