NPD Group: U.S. Mobile Phone Sales Continued Surge in First Quarter 2006

Tekrati Research News reports that according to NPD Group, "mobile phone sales to consumers in the U.S. reached 34.8 million units in the first quarter of 2006. The wireless industry analysts said Bluetooth device sales represented 18 percent of all new sales in the quarter, jumping 9 percent above sales during the previous quarter. Overall, handset sales in the U.S. were up 11 percent from the first quarter of 2005."

Neil Strother at NPD Group said, "Surprisingly, the U.S. handset market continued its strong surge in the first quarter. Normally, there is a seasonal drop in the first quarter after the holiday rush; however, these numbers reflect a very healthy market, and we’re seeing strong demand for replacement models and from new subscribers."

NPD's "Mobile Phone Track" found that "Motorola continued its leadership in the U.S. market during the first quarter, boosting its share sequentially from 27 percent to 29 percent as it continued to ride the success of its popular RAZR models. Nokia and Samsung followed with 18 percent with LG at 15 percent."

NPD Group / Mobile Phone Track - Top Ten Manufacturer 1Q 2006 Market Shares (U.S.)

1. Motorola 29%
2. Nokia 18%
3. Samsung 18%
4. LG 15%
5. Kyocera 4%
6. Sanyo 3%
7. Sony Ericsson 3%
8. UTStarcom (Audiovox) 2%
9. RIM >1%
10. Palm >1%

In the GSM market, "Motorola led the pack with a 39% share of the market, followed by Nokia with 24%, and Samsung with 16%," while in the CDMA market, "LG was the leader in CDMA handsets with a 31% market share, Samsung reached 20%, and Motorola in third place at 13%."