A new survey from Leo J. Shapiro and Associates has shown that most cellular phone users want GPS in their next handset more than Internet access. The survey sampled 450 Americans and found that 24% want GPS in their next phones and 19% wanted Internet access.

"GPS is displaying a rapid and unusual pattern of diffusion," adds Owen Shapiro, Vice President of LJS. "Our research is finding the purchase and use of GPS-enabled devices is not confined to segments of the population in which 'early adopters' are generally concentrated -- the young, highly educated or affluent. Today's GPS-enabled devices are being widely adopted, including among the middle-aged and elderly. As this breakout unfolds, we expect intensifying marketplace competition among the incumbent and newcomer brands as they race for dominance in this explosively growing market."

It’s not surprising to hear more people want GPS than web access to me. With the proliferation in many areas of WiFi hotspots and laptops becoming more mobile, coupled with slow data speeds in many areas for mobile phones, web access on a phone isn’t as interesting to many as it used to be.

Via LJS.com.