Teens and Cells

Nearly half of the teens and tweens, 10-18 year olds, in the United States have a cell phone representing over $10 billion of the market according to a study released by the market research firm GfK NOP Technology.

Numerous cellular companies are offering cell phones and plans for the younger market. Nearly all of the major carriers including T-Mobile, Cingular and Verizon offer text and pic messaging packages and downloadable games and ringtones, which are very popular with the young crowd.

Recently new phones hit the scene, marketed to an even younger crowd. Firefly Mobile introduced its kid friendly pre-paid cellular phone with one touch mommy and daddy buttons earlier this year. Other companies such as Disney are expected to release cell phones marketed to kids and tweens as well.