Better network connectivity could further boost tablet popularity

The popularity of tablet computers among mobile users is unquestioned. However, statistics released by Prosper Mobile Insights suggest that several factors -- including network connectivity problems -- could be holding the devices back.

Prosper's poll of about 330 smartphone and tablet users reveals that nearly 37 percent of American adults are unsatisfied with the speed of their mobile internet connections. Another 23.5 percent say they have experienced problems with inconsistent access to 3G and 4G wireless networks.

More than 46 percent of respondents seem to want a longer battery life for their devices, while 32 percent believe connection issues are associated with their smartphones or tablets directly.

When these problems persist, 55 percent of respondents say they first turn their devices off and then back on again to fix them. Thirty-eight percent acknowledge they first call the service provider.

Fixing the connectivity issues associated with mobile devices could further boost the proliferation of smartphones and tablets. That could serve as a boon to device manufacturers in the form of increased sales, service providers with improved customer satisfaction and the end user who experiences better connectivity first hand.