CTIA: US Wireless subscribers pass 250M mark

WASHINGTON, DC – CTIA –The Wireless Association® announced today that the total estimated wireless subscribership in America officially passed the 250 million mark, reaching an all-time national high. Growth in subscribership has more than quadrupled over the past ten years from just over 55 million at year-end 1997 to more than 250 million today—an increase of 352%.

Today's announcement follows recent reports from Merrill Lynch and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that further illustrate a thriving wireless marketplace in the U.S. that is working hard to meet the needs of consumers. According to Merrill Lynch's Global Wireless Matrix 2Q07, Americans use more minutes for less cost than any other consumers in the developed world. The FCC reports 98% of Americans can choose from at least four service providers. The FCC also says mobile high speed subscribership increased by about 600% in 2006, to nearly 22 million, and that mobile wireless subscribers made up 60% of all new high speed lines.

"The statistics speak for themselves," continued Largent. "The bottom line is that wireless companies are listening to their customers and in doing so are providing Americans of all walks of life with the mobile products and services that they want and need. Competition, innovation, and consumer value are driving the dynamic U.S. wireless marketplace, giving people access to amazing technology with plans almost anyone can afford and more choices than anywhere else in the world. "