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We are living in a wireless world that is changing so rapidly that it is difficult to remember that not very long ago; a wireless phone was just a phone, and not a supercomputer like some of today's smart phones. Consumers sometimes feel like they are being taken along for an ultra -hyped ride by the telecom giants. Maybe that's OK, but it's important to know enough about the current and future wireless industry to make smart choices about technology and wireless refill plans.

Here are some cell phone (mobile or wireless) facts which give a context to understand the experts' predictions for the future. Sources include technology blogs, Forbes magazine articles, telecom company information, CNet, Mashable, and futurist Patrick Dixon.

1. Despite the severe recession, Telecom companies continue to show strong growth - revenues are expected to grow to $3 trillion worldwide from $2.1 trillion in 2008.
2. 90%+ of people in the US (280 million people) have wireless phones in 2011. In 2000, that number was 20%. USA phone cards
3. 10 years ago, mobile phones were just that - phones. Today, the wireless industry is being driven by smartphones that manage email, voice and text communications and connects us to the internet on the go.
4. Smartphones are at the early stages of market growth led by the Iphone, Blackberry, and Android phones.
5. Wireless phones now outnumber landlines in the US. Estimates are that at least 30% of households do not have a landline.
6. Younger children are now significant users of cell phones. In the UK, 66% of 10 to 15 year olds have a mobile phone. Uk Phone Cards
7. Video, text and data continue to create the demand for broadband.
8. The costs for broadband and cell phones continue to drop.
9. The digital conversion where cell phones become computers, computers become entertainment, phones become cameras, continues to drive new consumer excitement for wireless products.
10. The new competition in the wireless smartphone market is application developed for wireless phones (apps). Businesses like apps because they can control the consumers experience directly without losing them to competitors when they go through Google.
11. More and more people are going with prepaid, no contract cell phone plans

With these cell phone facts as background, here are some commonly held beliefs about the future of the cell phone:

• Smartphones will take over the industry
• Wireless phones will be used more and more to make cash or credit transactions. This could allow telecom companies to take over some of the bank's credit card business.
• More, and less expensive broadband services and cell phone plans
• TV on cell phones
• Real time video calls
• More competition in app development, including personal medical apps
• Contracts in wireless service will be replaced with prepaid, no contracts

We have come a long way since the mid 80's when cell phones first appeared as portable telephones the size of briefcases. Look for wireless products and services to become more and more integrated into our lives.

Greg Jordan is a Regional Manager for Lightyear Wireless

For more information on Lightyear wireless plans and cool phones visit: http://www.unlimitedwirelessproducts.com. You'll find some of the most creative Telecom programs in the industry.

Lightyear Wireless is also looking To expand Its business through new agents.

Labels: Cell Phone