WASHINGTON, D.C.-There were 38.2 million cellular and personal communications services subscribers at the end of June, a penetration rate of 14.5 percent, according to a new survey from the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association.
More than 10 million new customers signed up for service during the 12-month period, 13 percent more new subscribers than the previous year, CTIA said.
Industry revenues were $21.5 billion for the 12 months, growing 31 percent from the $16.5 billion for the prior period.
The average monthly bill for a wireless phone dropped to $48.84, half of what it was in 1987 when CTIA began collecting billing information. The association noted a survey conducted last March found 64 percent of adults who do not currently own wireless phones expect to subscribe in the future.
Cumulative capital investment in the economy by the wireless industry now totals more than $26.7 billion. The industry spent about $5 billion for equipment and construction in the last year alone.
More than a thousand employees are being hired every month in the wireless industry, CTIA said.
CTIA began surveying operating wireless licensees on a semi-annual basis in 1985. Many new wireless systems are being constructed throughout the country but are not yet in operation.
