Parks Associates Puts Portability in Perspective. Parks Associates challenges predictions that local number portability will lead to an industry meltdown in the U.S. mobile market

Parks Associates released data today to challenge recent speculations that local number portability (LNP) will trigger a mass exodus of subscribers in the U.S. mobile market. The data, drawn from its forthcoming report U.S. Mobile Market Intelligence, indicate that LNP, which allows consumers to switch providers while retaining their original phone number, will lead to only a moderate number of defections.

Dallas, Texas (PRWEB) June 30, 2003 -- Parks Associates released data today to challenge recent speculations that local number portability (LNP) will trigger a mass exodus of subscribers in the U.S. mobile market. The data, drawn from its forthcoming report U.S. Mobile Market Intelligence, indicate that LNP, which allows consumers to switch providers while retaining their original phone number, will lead to only a moderate number of defections.

Over the last week, there have been claims that 25-30% of subscribers will switch operators as soon as number portability is implemented," said John Barrett, research analyst with Parks Associates. That is simply not realistic once you look at markets where LNP has already been introduced, such as Australia, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom."

In these markets, the number of people porting their number decreases with overall penetration rates," Barrett said. In Hong Kong, where there are 94 mobile phones for every 100 people, 23% ported their number within the first year. In Australia and the U.K., where penetration is 64% and 68%, respectively, only 4% and 6% have ported their number. The U.S. has a relatively low penetration rate (50%), suggesting that at most, 2-3% of subscribers will take their number to another operator within the first year, nowhere near the 30% figure being thrown out by some in the industry."

U.S. Mobile Market Intelligence, an indispensable guide to the mobile phone market, contains consumer survey results revealing who uses mobile phones, what new services they want, and how much they are willing to pay; operator level forecasts of subscribers by technology, handset purchases, and segmented revenues; competitive intelligence and comparisons of the top players operating and financial performance; and analysis of the latest market trends in services, equipment, and consumer demand.

For additional information about Parks Associates U.S. Mobile Market Intelligence or local number portability please contact sales@parksassociates.com or call 972-490-1113.

About Parks Associates: Parks Associates is a market research and consulting firm that provides information and analysis on emerging residential, small office, and light commercial technologies. Founded in 1986, Parks Associates creates research capital for companies ranging from Fortune 500 to small start-ups through market reports, multiclient studies, consumer research, workshops, and custom-tailored client solutions.

Its market expertise encompasses the full range of connected-home solutions, including home networks, digital entertainment, broadband and Internet services, and home systems. Parks Associates also hosts two industry events, Forum and CONNECTIONS (in partnership with the Consumer Electronics Association), each year. www.parksassociates.com.