There were 21 million new mobile subscriptions in the U.S. during 2011, bringing the total number of mobile connections to 331.6 million, a 7% rise and reflecting a 104% penetration rate for the nation, according new figures released by CTIA.
"Americans' love for mobile products and services continue to grow. Our survey shows yet again that we are choosing to have more than one wireless device, including smartphones, tablets and e-readers, which is why the wireless penetration rate is almost 105 percent. Yet as the President, bipartisan members of Congress, FCC Chairman and Commissioners and other policymakers have repeatedly advocated, the U.S. wireless industry must have access to more spectrum so we can continue to improve our nation's economy and meet our consumers' demands. While the spectrum identified in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation was a great start, there is much more work to be done," said Steve Largent, President and CEO of CTIA.
Some highlights of the report:
- Wireless network data traffic: 866.7 billion megabytes; Dec. 2010: 388 billion megabytes (123 percent increase)
- Active smartphones and wireless-enabled PDAs: 111.5 million; Dec. 2010: 78.2 million (43 percent increase)
- Number of active data-capable devices: 295.1 million; Dec. 2010: 270.5 million (9 percent increase)
- Wireless-enabled tablets, laptops and modems: 20.2 million; Dec. 2010: 13.6 million (49 percent increase)
- Minutes of Use (MOU): 2.296 trillion; Dec. 2010: 2.241 trillion (2 percent increase)
- SMS sent and received: 2.304 trillion; Dec. 2010: 2.052 trillion (12 percent increase)
- MMS sent and received: 52.8 billion; Dec. 2010: 56.6 billion
- Average local monthly wireless bill (includes voice and data service): $47.00; Dec. 2010: $47.21
