The nature of mobile phone use in Australia is changing, with handsets increasingly used for more than just making voice calls and sending SMS messages according to a new study. Seventy seven per cent of people surveyed for the 2009 Australian Mobile Phone Lifestyle Index frequently used their handsets to access services such Web browsing.

"This year's survey reveals a strong jump in the consumption of non-voice services," said John Butterworth, CEO of Australian Interactive Media Industry Association. The study was produced by AIMIA in collaboration with m.Net Corporation and Ideal Interfaces.

Thirty six per cent of the 3700 respondents had used e-mail on their mobiles in the past 12 months, representing a significant increase; almost half of those surveyed used email daily. The use of phones to access to social-networking sites also increased, from 7 per cent in 2008's index to 32 per cent.

The AIMIA survey revealed that 71 per cent of respondents had used their mobile phone to access information and entertainment content and services in the last 12 months. There was also a rise in mobile Web browsing, despite 51 per cent of respondents indicating the cost of mobile data services "remains an issue."

Nokia was once again the most commonly owned brand of phone, followed by Sony Ericsson and Samsung. Apple's popular iPhone pushed Motorola to sixth place.