GPS To Increase Cell Phone Sales

December 21, 2007 12:16 p.m. EST

New York, NY (AHN) - Cell phone users want handsets with Global Positioning more than Internet access, according to a new survey released Thursday.

Nearly a quarter, 24 percent, of U.S. citizens said they want a cell phone with GPS, while 19 percent of people asked want Internet access from their handset, a market survey by Leo J. Shapiro and Associates found.

The survey indicated their is great room for growth in sales of GPS-enabled phones. Almost 95 percent of cell phones are not equipped with GPS.

In a statement, an executive from the market research firm said cell phones with GPS are widely-attractive. "Today's GPS-enabled devices are being widely adopted, including among the middle-aged and elderly," said LJS vice president Owen Shapiro.

A Labor Department study found spending on wireless and wired phones was nearly equal, while spending on cell phones has increased from 2001 to 2006.