Mobile Phone Selection Criteria for U.S. Consumer Mobile Phone Subscribers

This IDC study presents the results of an IDC survey, fielded in fall 2008, on mobile phone handset selection. The survey focused on how consumers in the United States seek out information about mobile phones, what factors influence their purchase decisions, and how long they typically hold on to their phones. In addition to looking at past behavior, this survey also asked consumers about their intentions regarding buying a new mobile phone - what circumstances will mitigate that purchase and what they plan on doing with their old mobile phones.

"The process of getting a new mobile phone presents a number of opportunities and challenges not just for the potential buyer but more importantly for carriers and consumer electronics stores. Potential buyers are always wary of cost as expected, but the combination of other factors can push them to spend more to realize the experience they desire," says Ramon T. Llamas, senior research analyst, Worldwide Mobile Phone Tracker. "In addition, our respondents have shown a tendency to hold on to their devices for the full extent of their contract before replacing but are sensitive to opportunities to do it sooner." This book may contain less than 24 pages of technical content.