How Smartphones are Being Used Around the World Cup

As you read this, the World Cup soccer tournament is winding down, and there was much preparation for the digital deluge that was descending on Brazil during this month-long international soccer festival that is considered one of the most popular sporting events in the world.

Several telecommunications companies from around the world went to Brazil in the months leading up to the tournament, setting up temporary cell towers around the country so the visiting spectators from various countries can access their cellphones as if they were in their home countries. Why? There was an expectation of large data usage on mobile devices like tablets and smartphones – taking pictures of the stadium or the crowd at a game and sharing it through e-mail or social media, as well as streaming live events or uploading video highlights.

A recent survey was taken in several countries among smartphone users and they were asked how they were planning to use their smartphones during the World Cup. If you thought that watching the games live would be the No. 1 use, you’re wrong. Turns out, nearly three in five people (58 percent, to be exact) said they were going to use their smartphones to get information – which meant checking scores and getting the latest team and tournament information.

Less than half of the respondents said they would use their smartphones to actually catch game action, with 46 percent said they planned to live-stream matches and/or watch highlights. About 37 percent said they were going to use their phones to buy tickets, bet on matches or download an app for the tournament, and just 30 percent said they would be social with their phones, commenting about matches and/or taking photos of themselves or others at matches.

Think about yourself. Have you used your smartphone for the World Cup? If so, how have you used it? Have you used it more or less than you had planned? What has been your favorite activity (content, transactions, social, information)? We’d love to hear from you about this topic.