Hi-tech mobile phone features confuse users

We all know that it is tough to choose your new mobile phone; there is just so much choice, not to mention the various mobile phone contracts offering free gifts as well as minutes and texts. But new research carried out by Mformation has found that many of us are left confused and annoyed at the complexity of new mobile phones.

The report found that 61% of the people interviewed said that setting up their new mobile phone was more difficult that changing bank accounts. 95% of users also said that they would use new features if the phones were easier to set up.

Many users are finding it difficult to set up their phones and are angry and frustrated by having to look online or call an operator. A spokesperson for Mformation said that it should only take around 15 minutes to set up a new phone, but many users were spending in excess of an hour.

Geoff Blaber a mobile analyst has stated that the operators are trying to tackle the problem, with many training staff and putting help desks in-store, in a bid to persuade users to use the features on their mobiles.

In a statement, Mr Blaber said: “Operators are trying to move revenues away from a reliance on voice and text which are declining”.

And added, “To make that transition they need to be sure that the services are identifiable and easy to configure and use”.