Consumers hanging onto handsets longer

Longer contracts are pushing American consumers to keep their handsets longer, according to a new study by J.D. Power and Associates.
The average length of ownership of a particular handset has increased for the first time in five years, to 17.5 months from the 16.6 months reported in November 2006.
The market analysis firm said that subscribers tend to hold onto their handsets due to the now-standard two-year contract and to avoid onerous service-termination fees when switching service, which may lead to lower renewal rates.
A few other factoids: Motorola Inc., Sanyo Corp., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. and LG Electronics Co. all ranked above the industry average for satisfaction; nearly 70% of handsets are clamshell in style (up nearly 20% from last year); and the speakerphone is the most-used feature.
The study drew on more than 21,000 subscribers who’ve owned their handsets for less than two years.