Phone Service
Understanding Consumer Use of Wireless Telephone Service
Research Report
Christopher Baker, AARP Public Policy Institute
Ann McLarty Jackson, AARP Public Policy Institute
December 2000
Key findings and policy implications of a recent AARP survey of consumers' experience with wireless phone service by Christopher A. Baker and Ann McLarty Jackson of AARP's Public Policy Institute:
- Consumers age 50 and older are more likely than their younger
counterparts to report that they subscribe to a wireless
telephone service.
- Reasons for subscribing to wireless phone services tend to
vary according to the consumer's age. While younger
subscribers often report that wireless is most valuable because
of the convenience it affords them, older subscribers are more
likely to say they purchase it for security in case of an
emergency.
- Older consumers, who tend to use their wireless phones
infrequently, lack important information about service coverage.
As a result, many may find themselves in life-threatening or
dangerous situations and unable to make an important call for
help.
The survey findings also suggest that the presence of numerous competitors in the wireless telephone market does not necessarily ensure that consumers take advantage of the available choices. In fact, only 16% of all wireless subscribers responding to this survey have ever switched companies to get a cheaper rate. Even fewer older respondents report having changed their wireless service provider. (50 pages)
Pub ID: D17328