Mobile Devices: Federal Agencies' Steps to Improve Mobile Access to Government Information and Services

Citation
Government Accountability Office, Mobile Devices: Federal Agencies' Steps to Improve Mobile Access to Government Information and Services (GAO-15-69) (Dec. 22, 2014) (full-text).

Overview
Today, millions of Americans use mobile devices like smartphones and tablet computers on a daily basis to communicate and obtain information. Further, due to recent technical advances in mobile technology, consumers can use these devices to carry out a broad range of activities that previously required a desktop or laptop computer &mdash; including shopping, banking, and accessing government services. Given these trends, providing government information and services "anytime, anywhere, and on any device," has become increasingly important, particularly as some mobile users may not have any other means of online access.

The GAO reviewed information on mobile users and how they access government information and services. This report describes (1) the demographics of mobile users and the factors that might be associated with the increased use of mobile devices, (2) the devices individuals are using to access government services and the challenges people face, and (3) the actions the federal government has taken to enhance access to government services via mobile devices.