NOP World Technology today
announced results of its mKids Study, revealing that cell phone ownership has
topped 16 million among teens and tweens nationwide, with almost half (44%) of
10-18 year olds in the US owning a cell phone.
In its fifth wave of tracking teen cell ownership and use in the top 25 US markets, the study found that cell phones are the newest school accessory, with ownership among 12-14 year olds increasing from 13% in February 2002 to 40% in December 2004. In addition, the majority (73%) of 18 year olds own cell phones as well, a 15% increase from 2002, and three-quarters (75%) of 15-17 year olds also carry cell phones, up from 42% in 2002.
Nationwide, 10-18 year old mKids are loyal at heart, as few are willing to change cell phone providers. Over three-quarters (77%) are still using their first provider, and only 11% are planning to switch in the next six months (even though 74% are aware they can take their number with them). In fact, plans to upgrade an existing cell phone are actually more common than switching providers (26% vs. 11%).
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