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SRI LANKANS MAKE THE SWITCH TO MOBILE
As
an increasing number of Sri Lankans access the internet on a mobile
device, businesses are also adapting to the changing ways people use
the web.
A
significant shift is underway in the way Sri Lankans use the
internet. Late last year, the number of people accessing the web via
a mobile device surpassed those who use the internet on a desktop
computer. Just over 57 percent of people now use mobile, while 43
percent use desktop, according to the latest figures from web
analytics service Statcounter.
Compare
these figures to the global average: worldwide, desktop remains the
platform of choice for the majority of people. In global terms, 65
percent of internet traffic comes from desktop computers. So what is
driving the trend towards mobile devices in Sri Lanka?
One
answer is that the number of people using the internet is rising
fast. There are now 4.2 million internet users in Sri Lanka,
representing a fifth of the total population. At the same time, the
cost of buying smartphones has fallen and disposable incomes are
rising, making mobile devices more accessible for the average user.
It
is in this context that an increasing number of businesses have been
tweaking their approach to suit Sri Lanka’s growing demand for
mobile. Wilhelm Hammes, Managing Director of Lamudi.lk,
said his company was increasingly taking a mobile-first approach. A
website that allows people to buy or rent property online, Lamudi
recently released a mobile app for Android, which remains the most
popular smartphone operating system in Sri Lanka.
“At
the end of the day, smartphones are all about convenience. Users can
literally have the internet in their pocket and access it whenever or
wherever they want, so it’s no surprise that mobile devices
becoming more popular,” Hammes said.
“As
more people switch online, the trend towards mobile will only become
more important to business owners and entrepreneurs.
We
have already reached the point where local businesses cannot ignore
this ‘mobile internet revolution’. Whether you are launching a
dedicated app or focusing your online marketing efforts more on
mobile, a successful business in 2014 has to be ahead of these
trends.” He added.
ENDS.
ABOUT
LAMUDI
Launched in 2013, Lamudi is a global property portal focusing exclusively on emerging markets. The fast-growing platform is currently available in 28 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, with more than 500,000 real estate listings across its global network. The leading real estate marketplace offers sellers, buyers, landlords and renters a secure and easy-to-use platform to find or list properties online.
Launched in 2013, Lamudi is a global property portal focusing exclusively on emerging markets. The fast-growing platform is currently available in 28 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, with more than 500,000 real estate listings across its global network. The leading real estate marketplace offers sellers, buyers, landlords and renters a secure and easy-to-use platform to find or list properties online.
ABOUT
ASIA PACIFIC INTERNET GROUP (APIG)
The
Asia Pacific Internet Group (APIG) supports some of the leading
internet companies in the region. Founded by Rocket Internet in 2014,
the APIG's mission is to promote innovation and entrepreneurship
throughout Asia and the Pacific, as well as to support the
development of a vibrant online culture. APIG's network currently
consists of 10 companies, operating in 15 countries.
MEDIA
CONTACT
Katy
Campbell
Global
Communications Director
Email:
katy.campbell@lamudi.com
Phone:
+49
152 09058759
