SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., – The massive rise of wireless telephony users means that an ever-increasing number of them plan to abandon their traditional wireline service.
According to the In-Stat U.S. Consumer Telecom Survey released Monday, almost 20% of respondents that use wireless voice service plan to drop landline phone service. "Furthermore, as an indication of future wireline erosion, wireless usage continues to increase in proportion to wireline usage, particularly among 18-24 year olds," says the release.
"Compared to 2004 survey results, wireless has increased from one-quarter of home phone minutes to nearly one-third in 2005," says Bryan Van Dussen, a research director with In-Stat. "With this increase in wireless usage, comes an increased displacement of landline use."
The report by In-Stat found the following:
* Long distance usage has been particularly affected, with nearly half of respondents indicating decreased landline usage, and the average decrease being 60%.
* Certain population segments are more inclined to "cut-the-cord," with the youth market and lower income respondents being more inclined to make this transition.
* Those making under US$50,000 annually are more apt to cancel their landline versus those making over $50,000.
