Wireless Phone Reliance Grows

Staff On Nov 12 2001 - 8:00am

More than ever, consumers are bringing their wireless phones with them wherever they go, according to the results of a recent survey by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). Half of wireless phone owners now report carrying their phones with them at all times, compared to only one-third just one year ago.

The results of the "Wireless Device Usage" survey also found wireless phones tend to be used more as a social device than a business tool. A majority of consumers, 57 percent, report using phones primarily for social purposes. Despite the offering of large amounts of free minutes, most consumers, 71 percent, limit themselves to less than 400 minutes of air time per month.

"Wireless phones have become an indispensable asset for many consumers," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA. "Consumers demand the ability to stay connected from anyplace at anytime. As we move forward, that connectivity will continue to expand, to include e-mail and Internet access, m-commerce and more."

Despite the relatively small use of available airtime, mobile Internet services are gaining ground as another revenue stream for service providers. Nearly two-thirds of wireless phone owners are interested in the availability of e-mail capabilities.

More than one-quarter of respondents also consider Internet access an important consideration in their wireless phone purchase decision.

The survey was conducted via the Internet with a sample of 785 U.S. adults during October 2001. The complete study is available free to CEA member companies. Non-members may purchase the study visiting www.eBrain.org.