While doing some market analysis, and handset penetration numbers, I was surprised to see,
using CTIA subscriber numbers, that the handset penetration number here in the U.S. to be so high at 67%. Even if the numbers are a bit inflated, it is great to see such penetration, which translates to opportunities — and expect these numbers to get even better over time.

Figure-1 U.S. Population and Handset Subscribers (Feb 2006)

US penetration

Table-1 U.S. Population, Handset Subscribers and Penetration (Feb 2006)

Data Point Value
U.S. population (per
CIA.gov
)
295,734,134
U.S. Subscribers (per CTIA, Feb 2006) 204,111,067
7% Dual Handset Ownership (per M:Metrics) 14,287,774.69
Adjusted Dual Ownership to Individual Subscribers 7,143,887.35
Adjusted Individuals Subscribers 196,967,179.66

U.S. Handset Penetration
69% approx.

U.S. Handset Penetration (Adjusted)
67% approx.

*All numbers are approximate

ceo