Survey Shows Boomers Have No Fear When It Comes to Smartphones

Nine out of 10 have taught themselves how to use one

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A study commissioned by Consumer Cellular (http://www.consumercellular.com), a leading provider of cellphones and service plans to boomers, and the exclusive wireless provider for AARP members, reports that those ages 40-plus aren’t intimidated by smartphones or applications and are in fact teaching themselves how to use them.

The survey conducted by Flying Coyotes, a leading telecommunications research firm, asked 2,037 U.S. cellphone users ages 40-plus their interest in and opinions of smartphones and how they do or would use them to enhance their lifestyles.

Of those surveyed, less than 25 percent of non-smartphone owners report these devices as “too difficult to use.” In fact, nine out of 10 respondents who are current smartphone owners state they have taught themselves how to use the features and functions of their smartphone.

Overall, boomer respondents reported a desire to own a smartphone that will enhance their daily lives. Some of the results include:

• More than half of smartphone users surveyed download new applications monthly, while one-fourth do so weekly or more. Of this group, 71 percent use applications other than voice and text daily.
• Sixty percent of smartphone users download financial applications that offer easy access to bank accounts and stock market information along with news, weather and sports updates. Fifty-six percent download entertainment and game applications.
• Sixty-seven percent are active on Facebook and want a smartphone that provides Internet capabilities for social networking.

“This survey shows that boomers are keeping up with technology, and Consumer Cellular is pleased to offer products that meet this need,” said John Marick, CEO of Consumer Cellular. “It is a common misconception that smartphones are complicated or hard to operate. But as we see in this survey, an overwhelming majority of current smartphone owners ages 40-plus were able to teach themselves the functions of their device.”

As reported earlier, the survey also found that 60 percent of respondents say they are considering or plan to buy a smartphone, while 87 percent of current smartphone owners report they are likely or extremely likely to purchase another feature-rich device. The survey was directed by Flying Coyotes from March 18-28, 2011, with a ± 2.4 percent margin of error. It was conducted via e-mail throughout the U.S.

For more information about Consumer Cellular’s products, services and affordable cellphone plans, follow the company on Twitter: @Consumer_Cell and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/consumercellular.

About Consumer Cellular

Consumer Cellular, a leading provider of cellphones and service plans to boomers and seniors, and the exclusive wireless provider for AARP, was founded in 1995 on the belief that everyone should have affordable access to the safety and convenience of cellular service. The company provides its customers with simple phones, affordable cellphone plans, guaranteed satisfaction and top-ranked customer support staff, all located within the United States. Plus, Consumer Cellular customers never have to sign a long-term contract in order to start service.

The Portland, Ore.-based company is privately held and utilizes the nation’s largest voice and data network, covering more than 296 million people - or 97 percent of the U.S. population. As one of the nation’s leading wireless wholesalers, Consumer Cellular is able to purchase wireless service in large volumes, providing its customers with the best of both worlds: great low rates and the best cellular network available. Consumer Cellular’s cellphones and plans are sold nationwide at Sears as well as direct to consumers at www.consumercellular.com or 800-686-4460.

CONTACT:

LANE PR
Melissa Moore, 503-546-7894
Melissa@lanepr.com

KEYWORDS:   United States  North America  Oregon

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:   Seniors  Technology  Consumer Electronics  Telecommunications  Mobile/Wireless  Consumer

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