Users of mobile Internet in China's third- and fourth-tier cities jumped more than fourfold in the past three years, riding on the popularity of smartphones, according to the latest industry report.
More than 32 percent of consumers have used mobile devices to access Internet and they spend an average of 12.6 hours per week on mobile Internet, media investment management firm GroupM China said.
These findings are part of the firm's "Project Deep Dive" study which began earlier this year and covered more than 10,000 consumers in 28 provinces.
The survey also showed that the average penetration rate of television in the third- and fourth-tier cities has dropped to 84 percent from the peak level of 94 percent in 2009.
Most widely used smartphone functions include instant messaging, online search, and e-book.
Internet has become the second most influential media for third- and fourth-tier city consumers aged 15 to 45 with the usage rate rising 18 percent this year to 59 percent.
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