According to a recently released report done by Forrester Research, almost half of all cellphone subscribers in the U.S. are now using these devices for services other than voice. While this may mean less vocalizing it definitely does not mean less communicating, as consumers are now using text messaging more heavily, wireless Net access and, of course, e-mail.
With prices for voice minutes continuing to fall, cellphone carriers have been quick to come up with several new sources of revenue. That is why they have packed their tiny devices with what is being referred to as “data-driven diversions. The most popular of them is text messaging, followed by the downloading of things like ringtones and games. Wireless Internet usage via cellphone is up to 11% of cellphone subscribers with e-mail usage climbing steadily as well. As has been the case with almost all new technology, Gen Y’ers lead the way with 78% of cellphone subscriber’s ages 18 to 26 using data services, Forrester says.
