Wi-Fi remains the leading data network for on-the-go data consumption in the five leading Arbitron Mobile-based smartphone panels, according to new research by iResearch Consulting (www

Even as carriers aggressively promote their newest generation of cellular data networking, the Arbitron smartphone panelists in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, and China, still consume nearly two-thirds of their mobile data through public and private Wi-Fi networks.

The United States and United Kingdom have the heaviest users of mobile data in their Arbitron smartphone panels. A substantial share of the data consumption -- 61 and 69% respectively -- relies on Wi-Fi networks. China and France have the lightest users of mobile data in their Arbitron Mobile-based smartphone panels, both in terms of the average monthly data consumed and the share of the panel who consume more the 1,000 MB a month. However, their respective share of Wi-Fi networks as a data source stands at a polar opposite.

China panelists consume the largest share (70%) on Wi-Fi networks.  French panelists, consume the smallest share (53%) of mobile data on Wi-Fi.

In all five of the Arbitron Mobile panels, Apple iOS users are heaviest consumers of mobile data and are the heaviest users of Wi-Fi for their on-the-go data needs.
Apple iOS was the predominant operating system among the heavy data users in these five smartphone panels. 

Seventy-two percent of iOS users in the U.S. and German panel were in 1,000+ MB/month club; in the U.K., 76%, and in China, 60%. In stark contrast, only 29% of the iOS users in the France panel consumed more than 1,000 MB/month in the fourth quarter 2012.