Cell Phone Users Have Little Interest in Number Portability

GALLUP NEWS SERVICE

PRINCETON, NJ -- Gallup's November polling finds a continued increase in the number of people who own cellular phones. Two-thirds of all American adults now own cell phones, compared with roughly half in 2000. Despite the fact that new rules by the Federal Communications Commission allow cell phone users to switch providers and keep their current telephone numbers (the option is currently available to users in larger metropolitan areas, but will be available to all users by May 2004), only about one in eight say they actually will switch. Americans also recognize the dangers of using cellular phones while driving, although about 4 in 10 cell users often do so anyway. Only about a third report that they use a "hands free" device.

Cell Phone Ownership Up Dramatically Over Past Three Years

The number of cell phone users is up substantially over the last several years -- from 50% of Americans in 2000 to 67% now. Cellular phone ownership was at 55% in the summer of 2001 and 60% in early 2002.

Do you currently own a cellular phone, or not? % "Yes"

Gallup asked Americans whether they own a cell phone in two surveys in November. The combined results of the two polls show interesting differences among demographic groups.

• Some might think that tech-savvy younger Americans would be most likely to own a cell phone, but this is hardly the case. In fact, cell phone ownership is greatest among those in the 30 to 49 age range, at 74%. Sixty-nine percent of adults between the ages of 18 and 29 own cell phones, roughly the same percentage as is the case among 50- to 64-year-olds (68%). Americans aged 65 and older are the least likely to have cellular phones, with only 43% reporting ownership.

• Younger women -- those 18 to 49 -- are most likely to own cell phones (78% do), while older women, aged 50 and older, are least likely (52%). Roughly two-thirds of men in both age ranges own cellular phones.

• Cell phone use is highly related to income. Eighty-three percent of respondents earning $50,000 a year or more own a mobile phone, compared with 71% who earn between $30,000 and $49,999 a year, 49% of those earning between $20,000 and $29,999, and 35% who earn less than $20,000.

Few Plan to Switch Cellular Providers as Result of New Telephone-Number Rule

As of Nov. 24, the FCC issued new rules that allow mobile phone customers in larger metropolitan areas to keep their current cellular phone numbers when they switch providers (customers in smaller markets will have this choice by May 2004). Relatively few cell phone users, however, plan to switch carriers as a result of the new guidelines. In fact, the Nov. 14-16 CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll finds that the vast majority of cell phone users, 80%, plan to keep their current providers, while just 13% expect to take advantage of the new rules. Most of those who plan to switch providers say they will do so within three months.

As you may know, on November 24th, cellular phone carriers will be required to let you keep your cellular phone number when you switch providers. When this change takes place, do you plan to keep your current cellular provider, or do you plan to switch to another cellular phone provider? Based on cellular phone users

Nov. 14-16, 2003

Similarly, there is little immediate interest in taking advantage of the ability to move one's home or business number to one's cell phone and thus to abandon the traditional land lines. Nearly 9 in 10 cellular phone users do not plan to replace their home or business phones with cell phones. Only 5% plan to replace their home phones with cellular phones, while 2% plan to change their business phones, and 2% plan to switch both their home and business phones.

Calling Plans Most Important Factor When Choosing Carrier

According to the mid-November poll, the calling plans offered by a cellular provider are the most important factor in choosing a carrier, according to 44% of cell phone users. The next most frequently mentioned factor is network coverage, mentioned by 31%, followed by customer service (12%). Only 5% say the actual phone features are most important.

Most Important Factor in Choosing Cellular Phone Carrier Based on cellular phone users

Nov. 14-16, 2003

Most Americans Say It Is Not Safe to Use Cell Phones While Driving

In a separate poll, conducted Nov. 10-12, 84% of respondents disagreed with the statement, "using a cellular phone while driving is safe," including 61% who "strongly" disagreed. Only about one in six Americans agreed.

While both cell phone users and non-users agree it is not safe to talk on the phone while driving, non-users are more likely to feel that way (95%) than are users (78%).

To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: "Using a cellular phone while driving is safe." Do you -- agree strongly, agree somewhat, disagree somewhat, (or) disagree strongly?

Nov. 10-12, 2003

Despite widespread acknowledgement of the danger of driving while talking on a cell phone, about 4 in 10 cell phone owners admit to "often" using their cell phones in exactly this way. An analysis shows that two-thirds of those who use a cell phone while driving disagree with the statement that doing so is safe.

Do you often use your cellular phone while driving? Based on cellular phone users

Nov. 10-12, 2003

Also, a majority of cell phone owners do not use a "hands free" device, such as a headset or speakerphone. Twenty-two percent regularly use a "hands free" device, and an additional 13% use such a device occasionally.

Do you use a "hands free" device such as a headset or speakerphone while driving? Based on cellular phone users

Nov. 10-12, 2003

Survey Methods

These results are based on telephone interviews with randomly selected national samples of 1,004 adults, aged 18 and older, conducted Nov. 10-12 and Nov. 14-16, 2003. For results based on these samples, one can say with 95% confidence that the maximum error attributable to sampling and other random effects is ±3 percentage points. In addition to sampling error, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting surveys can introduce error or bias into the findings of public opinion polls.

Do you currently own a cellular phone, or not?

 

As you may know, on November 24^th, cellular phone carriers will be required to let you keep your cellular phone number when you switch providers. When this change takes place, do you plan to keep your current cellular provider, or do you plan to switch to another cellular phone provider?

BASED ON -- 691 -- ADULTS WHO CURRENTLY OWN A CELLULAR PHONE

 

How soon would you plan to switch to another provider after the change allowing you to keep your phone number is made -- the next day, within a month, within three months, within six months, within a year, or longer than that?

BASED ON -- 691 -- ADULTS WHO CURRENTLY OWN A CELLULAR PHONE [COMBINED RESPONSES]

 

As a result of this change, do you plan to replace your home phone or business phone with a cellular phone, or not? [IF YES, PROBE: Would that be your home phone, business phone, or both?]

BASED ON -- 691 -- ADULTS WHO CURRENTLY OWN A CELLULAR PHONE

 

Which of the following would you say is the most important factor for you when choosing a cellular phone carrier -- [ROTATED: the network coverage, the customer service the cellular phone company provides, the calling plans offered by the cellular company, (or) the features offered on your cellular phone]?

BASED ON -- 691 -- ADULTS WHO CURRENTLY OWN A CELLULAR PHONE

 

To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement?: "Using a cellular phone while driving is safe." Do you -- agree strongly, agree somewhat, disagree somewhat, (or) disagree strongly?

 

Do you have a cellular phone?

 

Do you often use your cellular phone while driving?

BASED ON -- 661 -- ADULTS WHO HAVE A CELLULAR PHONE

 

Do you use a "hands free" device such as a headset or speakerphone while driving?

BASED ON -- 661 -- ADULTS WHO HAVE A CELLULAR PHONE

 

BASED ON -- 223 -- ADULTS WHO USE A CELLULAR PHONE WHILE DRIVING