Cell Phone Carriers Attempt to Tap Growing Preteen Market

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Cell Phone Carriers Attempt to Tap Growing Preteen Market

6:30 am on April 2, 2006 | Category: Telecom Services, Mobile Devices

According to a recent study by the Yankee Group, mobile phone use among “tweens” aged 8 to 12 has the potential to double by 2010.

America’s preteen wireless market currently includes 5.3 million cell phone users. This segment currently accounts for 2.6% of the US cell phone market, and is growing much faster than the market as a whole. This, coupled with the fact that younger users are generally more accepting of 3G wireless data services creates a huge untapped opportunity for mobile phone carriers.

Verizon Wireless, Cingular Wireless, and T-Mobile USA have all made efforts to appeal to this market, by launching special gadgets and services to appeal to younger users. Carriers are also making an effort to create child-friendly devices loaded with safety features, so as to satisfy worried parents.

Cingular’s Firefly phone is one of the most notable examples of these two trends coming together into a fun and safe communication option for young users.