According to Ipsos Inter@ctive Reid Report, three-in-ten online Canadians (31%) now own a smartphone, an increase of over 50% since previously measured in the spring of 2010. And as ownership rises, so too does usage, with smartphone owners spending an astonishing 17.3 hours per week using their device.

“For several years, smartphone growth was incremental at best, but in 2011, it’s been exponential” says Steve Mossop, President with Ipsos Reid’s Western Canada practice. 

Not surprisingly, smartphone ownership is significantly higher amongst younger Canadians; in particular, 46% of those online Canadians aged 18 to 34 own a smartphone, and their usage (20.6hrs/week) is significantly higher than older Canadians.

The majority of smartphone usage (54%) is for activities other than talking.

Ref: Ipsos, May 2011