Research by In-Stat starts of with some startlingly original insights, such as 'People that are unemployed are less likely to replace their cellphones, and businesses will not pay for cellphone subscriptions for employees they’ve let go'. By Jove!
On a more pertinent note, the market research firm reckons that there will be a 20.5 per cent drop in handset shipments in 2009 compared to 2008, and it states that we'll be into 2011 before robust growth takes place.
However, mobile-contract subscriptions aren't faring so badly, with the company predicting a (full-year) 8.9 per cent growth in 2009 and 6.3 per cent in 2010.
Have you, the HEXUS.readers, used the current downturn to your advantage and negotiated far more favourable contracts when renewing/moving subscriptions? Anyone received stonking deals? Tempted by keeping your older handset and going for a reduced-price renewal? Love to hear your thoughts.