pr18687

Media Kit: AT&T Small Business Technology Poll 2012

AT&T Small Business Technology Poll

Small businesses are increasingly reliant on tablet computers, 4G devices, and GPS navigation mobile apps for their operations, according to the 2012 AT&T Small Business Technology Poll, a national survey of small businesses with two to 99 employees.

Survey Highlights
Local Survey Results
Survey Materials
Previous Study Results
News Releases

Survey Highlights

Nearly all small businesses (96%) use wireless technologies in their operations, with almost two-thirds (63%) indicating that they could not survive — or it would be a major challenge to survive — without wireless technologies.
More than four in 10 (43%) small businesses report all of their employees use wireless devices or technologies to work away from the office, a nearly 80% jump over the past three years.
Despite being a relatively new technology device, two-thirds (67%) of small businesses indicate that they use tablet computers, up from 57% a year ago.
85% of small businesses reported using smartphones for their operations, up from 80% last year and more than double the usage five years ago (42%).
One third of smartphones used by small businesses for business purposes, operate at 4G speeds; and nearly nine in 10 (86%) of the businesses operating with 4G smartphones are satisfied with the speed.

Local Survey Results

While nearly all small businesses use wireless technologies small businesses in various locations across the country have deviating opinions on the adoption and importance of mobility and wireless technology. Based on responses to these factors – perceived importance of wireless, use of wireless technology, use of mobile apps, and percentage of employees using wireless to work away from the office– a Wireless Quotient, or "WiQ," was calculated for each of 12 markets surveyed. Each component was weighted in the rankings. For example, use of wireless technology was viewed as more important than the perceived importance of that technology.

Survey Materials

Study Methodology – The results of the “AT&T Small Business Technology Poll” are based on an online survey, conducted in November 2011, of 2,513 small business owners and/or employees responsible for Information Technology (IT). Specifically, 1,232 surveys were completed by small businesses located throughout the United States (National data) and 1,281 surveys were completed by small businesses located in 12 markets – about 100 in each market (Market data). The sample of participating small businesses, having between 2 and 99 employees, was drawn from e-Rewards’ online business panel of companies. Eleven of the 12 metropolitan areas are based on DMAs (Designated Market Areas). The other market is the state of Oklahoma.

Previous Study Results

In the 2011 edition of the AT&T Small Business Technology Poll:

Almost all small businesses (96%) use wireless technologies in their operations
Nearly two-thirds (64%) of small businesses surveyed said they could not survive – or it would be a major challenge to survive – without wireless technology

Three years ago, 42% of small businesses surveyed said they would have difficulty surviving without wireless technologies

More than 70% of small businesses are turning to mobile apps to save time, increase productivity, and reduce costs.

GPS/Navigation and mapping mobile apps are most popular, with nearly half (49%) reporting they use them for their small business
Over 40% of small businesses surveyed have a Facebook page for their business, representing a 52% jump from last year