• by August 10, 2000

While only 4% of U.S. Internet users currently use wireless Internet, there are many more interested in this new technology, according to a study by Solomon-Wolff Associates, a New Jersey-based market research firm.

Joey Wolff, partner of the firm, revealed survey findings on wireless Internet at the Telecom Business 2000 trade show in New York, which opened yesterday.

"There are 140 million U.S. personal Internet users, 46% of which have interest in wireless Internet service," said Wolff. He added that 52% of these Internet users are already wireless phone users, and are “likely to be the early adopters of wireless Internet. This is news for wireless phone service providers."

According to Wolff, whose surveys track trends in personal communications technologies, consumers see wireless Internet as an enhancement to their wireless phone service more than an extension of their Internet service. Survey data indicates that 44% of Internet users interested in this new technology would access wireless Internet from their wireless phone.

"By far, those most interested in using wireless Internet would use it to send and receive e-mail, and as a result, aren't willing to spend a great deal more to have this convenience," said Wolff.

"Twenty-one percent of those surveyed aren't willing to pay anything extra for wireless Internet, while another 29% would only be willing to pay up to five dollars a month for it. To achieve full market potential, wireless Internet providers will have to show consumers new and useful applications beyond email."