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

Publication Date	May 2009
Publisher	IDC
Product Type	Report
Pages	17
ISBN Number	not applicable
Product Code	IDC07616

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Summary

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."

Content

IDC Opinion
In This Study
- Methodology
Situation Overview
- Information Resources Used in the Selection Process
  - Other Information Resources
- Key Factors in Mobile Phone Selection
  - Features and Design
  - Recommendations from Friends
- The Last Time Users Acquired a New Phone
- Reasons to Purchase a New Mobile Phone
  - Broken Phones
  - Other Reasons to Get a New Mobile Phone
- Expectations to Replace Current Mobile Phone
  - Upgrades and New Features
  - Current Contract Expiring
- Purchasing a Replacement Handset
  - Alternatives to the Carrier
- What to Do with an Old Phone
  - Devices Reaching a Dead End
  - Donating a Device for Charitable Purposes
Future Outlook
Essential Guidance
- Carriers and Consumer Electronics Stores
- Handset Vendors
Learn More
- Related Research
- Synopsis
List of Figures
- Figure: Information Resources Used to Select a Mobile Phone
- Figure: Key Factors Influencing Mobile Phone Selection
- Figure: Length of Time Since Last Mobile Phone Acquired
- Figure: Key Reasons for Acquiring a New Mobile Phone
- Figure: Key Reasons for Replacing Current Phone
- Figure: Where Next Mobile Phone Is Most Likely to Be Acquired
- Figure: Plans for Replaced Phone