As the cell phone industry prepares for the 25^th anniversary of the first cell phone call (October 13, 1983), a new survey reveals how the next generation feels about their cell phones and services. Recently CTIA — The Wireless Association® in conjunction with Harris Interactive released the results of this survey of more than 2,000 teens, “Teenagers: A Generation Unplugged.” This important study reveals teens feeling about their current devices, how they use them and what they expect from devices in the future.

Currently four out of five teens carry a wireless device. Among teens the cell phone currently ranks second behind clothing in showing social status and popularity. Over fifty percent of teens view their cell phone as the key to their social life and also use them as a form of entertainment. But, these younger users also acknowledge the practical side of their devices. An overwhelming majority (80 percent) of the teens surveyed claimed they felt more secure having a cell phone when they left the home. 

As suspected texting has become the communications method of choice among teens. Those that participated admitted they spent just as much time texting as they did actually speaking with friends and family. According to teens, texting is preferred because of speed, allows the ability to multitask, and it avoids verbally communicating. 

Perhaps the most interesting insight this survey provides is the thoughts of teens on the future of the wireless industry. Steve Largent, President and CEO of CTIA, remarked, “In the future, mobility for teens means mobile banking, mobile voting, location based services, personal entertainment — the sky is the limit for how mobile our lifestyles can be.”

Over the past 25 years the wireless industry has grown by leaps and bounds. If this survey reveals anything, it is that tomorrow’s users expect even more from their wireless devices. Joseph Porus, Vice President & Chief Architect, Technology Group, Harris Interactive, had this to say about the survey’s results, “Teens expect mobile technology to change the social fabric of their world and they have laid the future at the feet of this technology like no other — To our knowledge, no other industry carries these hopes; while teens are interested in cars and music and movies, it is mobility that will change their future!” To review research slides from “Teenagers: A Generation Unplugged” please visit: www.HarrisInteractive.com/News/MediaAccess.