News
Issue #2002 - 43 (November 2002)
(Updated Nov. 13, 2002)

TECHNOLOGY

CTIA Releases Mid-Year Optimistic Snapshot of U.S. Wireless Industry

The Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) released its mid-year 2002 data survey results, its semi-annual study of the state of the U.S. wireless industry. Tom Wheeler, president and CEO of CTIA, noted the strength of wireless technology in today's struggling economy. "Wireless technology continues to show robust growth, defying the downward trends in the tech and telecomm sectors. Wireless data is particularly strong, as more companies introduce devices with features like text messaging and gaming capabilities.

The survey data also shows the industry is committed to improving customer quality and service," Wheeler added. "Carriers are expanding coverage and installing packet data capabilities that are propelling new and better services across the board." 

Some of the findings are as follows:

• U.S. carriers earned service revenues of $36.7 billion in the first six months of 2002, up from $30.9 billion for the first six months of June 2001; 
• Total billable minutes of use (MOU) for the first half of 2002 were nearly 300 billion - up 48 percent from 197 billion for the first half of June 2001;
• Wireless carriers reported over $118 billion in total cumulative capital investment as of June 2002 - up 18.7 percent, from $99.7 billion, as of June 2001;
• Overall wireless subscriber base increased to 134.5 million by June 2002, from 118.4 million as of June 2001; and the number of digital subscribers increased 29 percent since June 2001, to more than 87 percent of all reported subscribers.

CTIA's Semi-Annual Wireless Industry Survey develops industry-wide information drawn from operational member and non-member wireless service providers. The information collected includes: cumulative capital investment, total service revenues, roaming revenues, the average local monthly bill and the average length of call.

For more information: http://www.wow-com.com/industry/stats/surveys

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory: These numbers are impressive showing health increase in difficult times. So what is all the gloom in the industry? Are we missing something, Mr. Wheeler? The numbers do not add up right unless costs are going up and competition is driving per minute prices down. 

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