re: US Wireless Now 62% Digital
... Up from 51% at the end of 1999 and 30% in 1998.
Progress
>> American Regulator Reports On Cell Phone Market
UK Cellular News
The American telecoms regulator, the FCC has published its sixth annual report into the state of competition in the USA wireless marketplace. The report notes that during the year 2000, the process of carriers building nationwide footprints continued to be a significant trend in the mobile telephony sector. A number of operators filled in gaps in coverage though mergers, acquisitions, and license swaps. In parallel with the process of footprint building, mobile phone operators continued to deploy their networks in an increasing number of markets, expanded their digital footprints and developed innovative pricing plans. In the twelve months ending December 2000, the cell phone industry generated over US$52.5 billion in revenues, increased subscribership from 86.0 million to 109.5 million, and produced a nationwide penetration rate of roughly 39%.
To date, 259 million people, or almost 91% of the total U.S. population, have access to three or more different operators (cellular, broadband PCS, and/or digital SMR providers) offering mobile telephone service in the counties in which they live. Over 214 million people, or 75% of the U.S. population, live in areas with five or more mobile telephone operators competing to offer service. And 133 million people, or 47% of the population, can choose from at least six different mobile telephone operators. The combined effect of increasing digital and declining analog customers has been that, at the end of 2000, digital customers made up 62% of the industry total, up from 51% at the end of 1999 and 30% in 1998. <<
- Eric - |
