I was sitting around the other day marveling about how popular cell phones have become. It’s amazing that in our culture we make ourselves available every minute of every day -- thank goodness for call display! Anyway, I did a quick Google search and stumbled upon an interesting article with a list of cell phone statistics that I thought was worth sharing.
Here’s what I learned:
- Cell Phone usage in the US has increased from 34 million to 203 million in the last ten years
- There is an estimated two billion cell phones world-wide, which means about 4.5 billion people go without.
- A 2004 MIT survey said that cell phones was ranked as the one invention that people hate the most, but can’t live without. It beat out the alarm clock and the television!
- A 2005 University of Michigan study said that 83% said cell phones made life easier (choosing it over the internet).
- A Let’s Talk (retail company) survey said that 38% of people thought it was ok to use a cell phone in the bathroom. (Other stats show cell phone use in restaurants, theaters, supermarkets and subways).
- A telephia survey said that Americans average 13 talking hours a month – with the 18-24 age group averaging 22 hours.
- A Sprint survey said that 2/3 people used their cell phone backlight to find something in the dark.
I wonder how many people would stop blogging to answer their cell phone?
Excuse me, I have call…
5 Ways to cut your cell bill - from ConsumerReports Magazine Jan 2008
Special Caller Deals
Cingular has roll-over minutes. Most carriers allow free in network calls (like a Verizon to Verizon call). Alltell and T-Mobile offers a select number of phone numbers which you can call for free.
Overage Charges
During months with higher than normal usage, increase your plan just for that month making sure you don't spend the .45 cents per minute for minutes that are over your plan. Also make sure to regularly check your bills to determine if you need to increase or decrease your lines. No sense in paying for more than you need.
Control Usage by Children
AT&T offers a limiting service which controls several aspects of the calling behavior. From the web parents can limit the phone numbers dialed, duration of calls and more.
Pay Attention to All Charges
Getting a good deal on minutes is good, but make sure you consider all other charges. Text messaging is a great feature but can add up very quickly. The standard rate for one text message is 15 cents. With Texting Plans, messaging can drop to only a penny per message. Also make sure to check the rates for data and web access.
PrePaid Phone
If you barely use any minutes, and 300 minutes is an overkill for you, then a prepaid phone may be the best option.
