The study, conducted by Ericsson ConsumerLab, also showed that once they are connected, the internet is one of the last things that consumers would be willing to give up if they had to reduce their expenses.

“2011 was a tremendous year that saw the human race evolve a step further in the way it communicates and it is clear that 2012 will see more progress,” said Anders Lindblad, President, Ericsson Region Middle East and North Africa. “It is only natural that the internet is now perceived as an essential service, much as we see electricity and roads. I do, however, find it very significant that the study shows that consumers in Saudi Arabia and around the world would only disconnect their internet accounts only as a last resort.”

Michael Björn, Head of Research at ConsumerLab, added: “Consumers have taken to smartphone apps like fish to water. Touch and direct access via icons hide the complexity of internet services, and people are now willing to explore many new areas of everyday life — anything from recipes to receipts — that benefit from connectivity.”