Americans still not jumping for mobile video

US consumers are still not sold on mobile video services, say analysts.

A study by research firm Parks Associates found that despite increasingly sophisticated handsets, Americans are not showing interest in premium mobile services.

The study found that while a third of users own a mobile phone capable of video, only half of them have ever watched a clip on the handset.

Video is not the only area in which US uptake is lacking. The survey also found that of users whose handsets are equipped with the features, more than 80 per cent have never downloaded games and more than 60 have never watched live TV broadcasts.

More than half the users have never used their handset's internet connection and nearly 40 per cent have never played music files on their mobile phone.

John Barrett, Parks Associates director of research, credited much of the slow adoption rate to the additional cost of the services. Barrett described a 'chicken and egg' situation where users are unwilling to pay for services and providers are unwilling to make the premium services available at no cost.

"A free taste would go a long way in making the consumer case for mobile TV, " Barrett suggested.

"Mobile TV services have taken off in Japan and South Korea, where service is offered free of charge. In Italy, where additional fees have been the norm, usage has been limited."