Tesco Mobile, Ireland’s largest virtual network operator, has predicted an increase in video calls this Christmas as the nation prepares to stay connected while staying apart. Research conducted by the leading virtual network has found that one in four* people will opt for video calls over the more traditional phone conversation this year, with over one third (38%) of those surveyed saying that their parents will be the first call of the day.
With reduced physical contacts recommended, mobile phones have provided a lifeline for those cut off from loved ones during the pandemic, with Tesco Mobile customers spending an incredible 1.5 billion minutes on calls over the past year**. Reconnecting with family members, catching up with friends or checking in with neighbours, 101 million text messages have also been sent, while those searching for entertainment have contributed to the total usage of over 12 billion megabytes (MB) of data.
It’s Friday then…it’s time to make that call – send that text and scroll through your social media, as Friday proves the most popular day of the week for Tesco Mobile users. Reflecting on a year like no other, which has seen the way in which we work, socialise and shop completely transform, Friday retained the top spot for usage.
On Friday’s Tesco Mobile customers hosted their longest calls at noon, sending the highest volume of text messages between 12.00pm – 1.00pm. As attention spans began to waver, data usage – reportedly up 19% year on year (yoy), peaked at 4pm on a Friday as the nation refreshed their feed and searched for weekend Netflix recommendations.
Ciaran Melia, General Manager, Tesco Mobile Ireland said; “We are delighted to have helped over 400,000 customers stay connected during the pandemic, as we predict an increase in traffic and a shift towards video calls this Christmas.
“After the year we’ve had, it’s never been more important to reconnect with those who matter most, and we’ve remained committed to the delivery of great value offers that help our customers stay connected wherever they are – no matter what their budget.”
Wherever customers are spending Christmas, they have the opportunity to shop the range of class-leading handsets in store or from the comfort and safety of their own home via TescoMobile.ie, with something for everyone on the gifting list.
For more information visit www.tescomobile.ie