5G Technology World

  • 5G Technology and Engineering
  • FAQs
  • Apps
  • Devices
  • IoT
  • RF
  • Radar
  • Wireless Design
  • Learn
    • 5G Videos
    • Ebooks
    • EE Training Days
    • FAQs
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Webinars/Digital Events
  • Handbooks
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
  • Resources
    • Design Guide Library
    • EE World Digital Issues
    • Engineering Diversity & Inclusion
    • Engineering Training Days
    • LEAP Awards
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

Report: Two-Thirds of New Subscribers Going Prepaid

By Staff Author | April 1, 2010

Two out of three new subscribers are picking prepaid service over postpaid, reports Washington, D.C.-based think tank the New Millennium Research Council (NMRC).

According to the group, new prepaid cell phone subscribers accounted for 65 percent of the 4.2 million net subscribers added by U.S. operators in the fourth quarter of 2009.

The prepaid segment now represents 20 percent of U.S. subscribers, or 54.4 million people, up from 46.3 million people last year.

In addition, the prepaid segment is growing more rapidly than the postpaid segment. Prepaid subscribers grew 17 percent in the fourth quarter of 2009 while the postpaid segment grew just 3 percent in the same period.

The group’s findings confirm year-old trends that 39 percent of U.S. consumers were contemplating cutting back on their cell phones to save money if the recession continued.  

“We stand by what we forecast a year ago:  The era of cell phone penny pinching is officially here. Thanks to the recession, the U.S. cell phone marketplace continues to undergo fundamental changes that will just get bigger as the economic downturn deepens,” NMRC Project Coordinator Jose Guzman said in the group’s report. “What is different from a year ago is the explosion in new ‘all-you-can-eat’ and unlimited prepaid deals as low as $30 and $45 that will remain attractive to consumers long after the current recession is over.”

The NMRC expects the trend toward prepaid service to continue throughout 2010.

The group is described on its Web site as a “project” of Amplify Public Affairs, a Washington, D.C.-based public relations firm whose clients include Sprint, Verizon Wireless and AT&T.

Amplify Public Affairs Chairman Samuel Simon says the firm staffs, manages and finances NMRC but does not conduct research projects through the group on behalf of clients.


Filed Under: Devices

 

Next Article

← Previous Article
Next Article →

Related Articles Read More >

High-directivity couplers optimized for 225 – 750 MHz applications
Integrated into IoT devices, iSIM poised to make inroads
Triple-radio and multiprotocol MCUs add application processors
5G vectors
How RedCap fits into 5G and IoT

Featured Contributions

  • Overcome Open RAN test and certification challenges
  • Wireless engineers need AI to build networks
  • Why AI chips need PCIe 7.0 IP interconnects
  • circuit board timing How timing and synchronization improve 5G spectrum efficiency
  • Wi-Fi 7 and 5G for FWA need testing
More Featured Contributions

EE TECH TOOLBOX

“ee
Tech Toolbox: Internet of Things
Explore practical strategies for minimizing attack surfaces, managing memory efficiently, and securing firmware. Download now to ensure your IoT implementations remain secure, efficient, and future-ready.

EE LEARNING CENTER

EE Learning Center
“5g
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for EE professionals.

Engineering Training Days

engineering
“bills
5G Technology World
  • Enews Signup
  • EE World Online
  • DesignFast
  • EDABoard Forums
  • Electro-Tech-Online Forums
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Analogic Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • Engineer’s Garage
  • EV Engineering
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy

Search 5G Technology World