WASHINGTON-Youth in rural America consider cell phones to be their most essential telecommunications service, according to a survey released Monday by the Foundation for Rural Service, the non-profit wing of the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association.
One in 10 rural youth have cut the cord, while 72 percent say they use wired phones only when they are at home or need to conserve minutes on their wireless plans. NTCA/FRS surveyed more than 5,000 youth ranging in age from 14 to 23.
Surveys were sent to former participants in the RFS Youth Tour and applicants for the RFS college scholarship program and then passed out by member companies in local high schools. This is the first time the survey has been expanded beyond its original scope of former participants in the FRS youth tour and applicants of the RFS college scholarship program.
