Consumers have strong intentions to buy mobile devices
this year, according to research conducted by Ipsos MediaCT. Consumers
in 11 key markets around the world, especially the fast-growing
economies of India, China, and Brazil, have strong demand for mobile
devices--including cell phones, MP3 players, hand-held gaming devices,
and laptop PCs.
The report shows a shift in reported consumer purchasing
behavior in the developing world. In some countries, consumer demand is
being driven by consumers who are looking to replace older models while
in other countries new buyers are driving demand. These differences
have important implications for manufacturers and service providers.
n fast growing urban China, nearly half of urban Chinese
households will buy a mobile phone this year, but since virtually all
households (98%) already own at least one, the market for new buyers is
saturated," says Donna Wallace, Vice President of Ipsos MediaCT.
Urban Brazil is a hot spot for new buyers of mobile devices and
leads the world in household demand for hand-held gaming devices, MP3
players, and mobile phones. However with three times more people, total
mobile device sales in urban China may actually exceed those sold in
Brazil.
"A complex picture is emerging, but one thing is clear--consumer
demand for mobile devices is especially strong in developing countries,
particularly for mobile phones and MP3 players," Wallace concluded.
