Survey Finds Consumers Chop Cellphone Use to Cut Costs
Consumers have begun reducing their cellphone use to save money in the face of the sharp economic downturn, according to a new survey.
Conducted by Opinion Research Corp. for the New Millennium Research Council, the survey of 2,005 Americans found that 39 percent of those with contract-based cellphones are likely to cut back their service to save money if the economy gets worse over the next six months.
The study also found that 26 percent of those with contract-based phones would be more inclined today than six months ago to look at alternatives, including switching to a pre-paid plan. The survey found that five percent of American mobile phone users have considered cutting back on extra services like Web access, email and texting, while 15 percent have already cut back on such services in the last six months. Of those users who are using data services, 41 percent say they would be “somewhat” or “very” likely to cut back if the economy worsens.
In perhaps their most startling finding, in the original version of their news release today, the NMRC and Opinion Research claim asserted that 35 million Americans have already discontinued cellphone service in the last six months due to job loss, fear of job loss, the recession or other financial concerns. But that assertion was ridiculous on the face; I called them on it, and they’ve now issued a correction.
comments so far. Add yours.