Social distancing measures and lockdown restrictions have revived the traditional phone call, according to new figures from O2, which say voice conversations are more frequent and longer on its network. While mobile calling was once considered the raison d'être of the mobile phone when it arrived in the 1980s, the priorities of mobile users have changed considerably since the release of the first iPhone and the first Android devices. decade The popularity of OTT applications such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, coupled with the demographic preference of young people to use instant messaging, has led to a recent downward trend in voice traffic.
Voice calls to the UK
Only 75% of smartphone users consider using a mobile phone for phone calls to be "important", compared to 92% for whom web browsing is important. Ofcom's figures have shown that the number of voice calls made to a mobile phone has last fallen, reducing traditional mobile revenues. However, O2 reports a 25% increase in phone call volume and a 30% increase in duration. On March 24, the first day of the lockdown announcement, call volume increased by 45% and people spent 70% more on the phone. The reason behind the change is pretty obvious: with Brits unable to see their friends and family, they pick up the phone. And that could have an impact on the long-term behavior of young people. A third of people aged 18 to 25 said they had experienced phone anxiety, a fifth did not call for a month or ignored a call, even if they knew the identity of the person who contacted them. . Nine in ten are now more confident making and receiving calls than before the lockdown, and 25% called a friend for the first time during the lockdown. The restrictions also change the habits of older phone users. A quarter of people over 55 say they plan to buy a new or their first smartphone due to the pandemic, so it's the desire to keep content. "Seeing the nation go online more than ever is a powerful reminder of the ability of mobile devices to bring people closer to the people and things they love, and it's great to see everyone, from generation to generation, discover the full power that their phones can give them," said Nina Bibby, O2 CMO. "We remain committed to doing everything we can to help our customers stay in touch with their friends, family and loved ones during this difficult time."