Finnish mobile phone sales fell sharply in Feb
Wednesday March 6, 8:39 am Eastern Time
HELSINKI, March 6 (Reuters) - Sales of cellular phones to retailers in Finland fell 32 percent in February, reinforcing fears the industry is still in the doldrums as consumers wait for attractive services to match the phones.
Wholesalers, including manufacturer Nokia , Motorola (NYSE:MOT - news), Sony Ericsson and others, saw sales to retailers fall 32 percent year-on-year to 63,202 units, the Finnish Mobile Communication Suppliers Association said.
In January sales fell four percent year-on-year, after rising during December, the strong Christmas sales period.
Industry experts, including mobile phone makers, closely watch the Finnish market because of its high penetration levels and users' fondness for mobile services.
``There's no evidence of a turnaround yet,'' said Pentti Karhu, chief executive of the association.
Finland, like the rest of Europe, is suffering from the lack of attractive new services, like downloadable games, to spur demand in already saturated markets.
``It's like the chicken and egg effect. There are no real services, so no reason to buy new phones, and the services that do exist are expensive,'' Karhu said.
The association still expects 1.3 million mobile phones to be sold this year in Finland, the home to sector leader Nokia . Global sales of mobile phones are expected to rise about 10 percent to 430 million units, with colour-display devices offering picture messaging seen as a market driver.
biz.yahoo.com
==========
"..with colour-display devices offering picture messaging seen as a market driver.."
After, as ERICY states, carriers upgrade their networks... |
