Nearly 78 per cent of users are turning more to WhatsApp and FaceTime to keep in touch with loved ones

Having free time or simply being bored are the main drivers for the enhanced usage of mobile phone data as lockdown restrictions begin to ease.

Latest research from Sky Mobile found entertainment enthusiasts, logged-on loved-ones and gourmet gurus are causing the rise in data usage.

The rise has also resulted in a switch in the type of data now consumed. Entertainment streaming sites have captured the UK’s attention, with 82 per cent of those who use the services turning more to virtual entertainment in their free time.

Nearly 78 per cent of users are also turning more to connector services such as WhatsApp and FaceTime to keep in touch with loved ones, while 77 per cent of people have now embraced a new love of home cooking as they look to apps and websites for assistance.

Delving deeper into mobile data habits, daters are increasing their search for love in the evening via various dating apps and online services (46 per cent), with digital retail services (45 per cent) also peaking in the evening.

Sky Mobile has partnered psychologist, Jo Hemmings, to predict how mobile use will evolve in 2021.

She said: We’ve experienced a different world over the past 12 months, and as we all pivoted to the ‘new’ everyday, it has naturally changed our smartphone and mobile data usage.

It’s clear they all have one thing in common – connection. Whether it is consuming data to connect with loved ones, the wider community, or making our lives that little bit easier thanks to virtual services, our futures will now be forever enhanced by the support of our mobile data, Hemmings said.

Paul Sweeney, managing director of Sky Mobile, added: No matter, which data tribe you fall into, Sky Mobile makes it easier for customers to save money. Whether you’re still at home or back out exploring, we roll your spare data so you can choose what you want to do with it.