Mobile Internet access is fast becoming second nature for Maxis mobile users, allowing them to stay connected and in touch when on the move.

Malaysian mobile users are again being trend setters in mobile lifestyle trends. Echoing the pattern set in the early days of mobile adoption when this region led the world in the adoption of the text messaging lifestyle, Malaysian mobile users are leading the world in embracing mobile internet as their way of life.

With that, the search for the next killer application looks to be over. Figures available from Maxis, Malaysia’s leading mobile operator, show strong proof that mobile internet will be the driver for the mobile industry in the foreseeable future.

Maxis revealed recently that mobile data access statistics were shooting through the roof. A large number of its users are actively surfing the Net on their mobile devices.

The pattern is also confirmed by figures that show that about 20% of Maxis customers now use 3G phones. Commendably, Malaysia is in the forefront of the mobile internet revolution despite the Malaysian telcos choosing not to go down the risky path of subsidising mobile devices.

Social Networking Driving Mobile Users
So what are Malaysian mobile users doing when they access the internet from their mobile devices? It appears that Malaysians are becoming savvy at keeping in touch while on the move. They are updating their Twitter statuses, sending pokes to their Facebook friends and uploading pictures onto Flickr.

The top ten sites being visited by Maxis users are very similar to the top ten sites accessed by desktop users. Reflecting their desktop popularity, sites like Google, Friendster, MySpace and Facebook are very popular among Maxis mobile users.

This suggests that Malaysians are extending their regular Internet access patterns onto their mobile phones, where they continue to do what they usually do on their PCs when they are on the move. The big shift towards wireless access is also being reflected by the fact that 30 to 40% of new broadband subscribers are signed up by Malaysian mobile players.

One of the reasons why mobile internet usage figures have exploded is because mobile devices have improved tremendously. Users have begun to enjoy accessing the Internet on their phones. Newer phone models make internet access a breeze and many of the issues that plagued early 3G models have been addressed.

Maxis has also been doing its part to get more Malaysians to experience the wonders of the internet on their mobile. It has been educating users on how to get the most out of their 3G mobile devices by sharing tips such as how to download Opera Mini and also by bringing popular services like Friendster and Facebook onto its mobile network. At the same time, it has also been steadily growing and improving its data network throughout the country.
Maxis has also made it very easy for its customers to get online. Their portal is an exercise in simplicity. There are one click links to services like Yahoo One Search and popular social networking applications and not surprisingly, it has proved to be wildly popular.

All in all, the move towards a mobile internet lifestyle is being reflected in all of Maxis’ data services. For example, MMS services which saw slow uptake some time ago, is now a major service for Maxis. Maxis’ popular Friend Finder service has also boomed as a large number of Maxis users keep track of their friends through the Friend Finder Location Based Service.

No doubt, it is an exciting lifestyle, having this ability to keep in touch and connect with friends and associates anytime anywhere. Malaysians, being one of the savviest people on earth have learned this faster than the rest of the world. Just like text messaging, which was initially adopted by a few before roaring forward to become the most popular mobile service to date, mobile internet has moved beyond early adopters in Malaysia and especially among Maxis users is now charging forward towards becoming an everyday lifestyle experience.