“Teenagers: A Generation Unplugged”

A National Survey by CTIA (International Association for the Wireless Telecommunications Industry)

CTIA-The Wireless Association® in conjunction with Harris Interactive, a leading market research & consulting firm in the wireless industry, conducted a comprehensive research study of teen’s mobile phone usage across America.

As the wireless industry celebrates the upcoming 25th anniversary of the first commercial cell phone call (October 13, 1983), this in-depth online study of more than 2,000 teenagers around the nation sheds new light on how today’s teens feel about wireless products and services, how they are using them today and most importantly, how they would like to use them in the future. A growing wireless segment, teens view their cell phones as more than just an accessory.

Mobility Defines the Teen Generation 

Today’s teenagers have largely been defined by mobility. These teens (“Gen M”) represent the first generation to grow up in a mobile world since the first commercial cell phone service was activated on October 13th, 1983. Now they are taking control and their demands are redefining what mobility will be.

General Teen Mobile Facts

• Teens are a huge consumer market segment and spend more than $100 billion annually
• Today, approximately 79% of all teens (17 million) have a mobile device –  a 36% increase since 2005
• Most teens have a conventional cell phone while about 15% own a smart phone