May 31, 2007
Mobile phone users pay less for handsets but keep them longer
Customers are keeping handsets for 17.5 months, an increase over the 16.6-month ownership term reported in November. ITNews reports. They're also paying less for their handsets -- US$103 in 2002 versus US$93 in 2007.
"Cell phone term contracts are influencing mobile phone users to keep their handsets longer, according to a survey released Wednesday by J. D. Power and Associates.
The market research firm said the average time of users are keeping their cell phones has increased 5 per cent since last fall.
"It's clear that wireless service carriers are using mobile phones as bait to increase consumer traffic," said Parsons. "The problem with this strategy is that, in most cases, the discounted handsets being offered are older models, which typically lack the latest technological advancements or desired design features."
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