Use of 3G Services by Research Scholars in Central Universities in India: A Study

The main purpose of the study is to find out awareness and use of 3G services among the research scholars of the University of Delhi and University of Hyderabad. The study demonstrates that research scholars do use 3G services for purposes other than communication and entertainment. Majority of respondents fall under the age group of 26–30 years and use mobile phones for both communication and leisure. Airtel is the popular 3G service provider and its users specifically engage in browsing academic/research networking sites. Availability of music and audio are the main features for purchasing new mobile phones. Broadband and ticket booking are the frequently used services and creating video games on the Internet cloud are the occasionally used 3G service. Majority of the respondents stated that 3G provides functional value by enabling them to accomplish tasks easily, more quickly, effectively, and conveniently. Interestingly, mobile phones are not used for promotion of one’s own research and exchange of ideas, which is the principal issue addressed by this study. None of the respondents reported an increase in accessing subscribed library e-journals and databases. Poor network coverage is perhaps the biggest barrier that interrupts the enjoyment of using 3G services. The findings of the study will not only guide research scholars in effective use of 3G services, but also help them in awareness of new mobile phone specifications including 3G service features. In addition, it will help the university authorities and vendors in facilitating effective access of licensed library e-resources and providing a valuable reference for service providers to develop 3G mobile value-added services.