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| Gartner Survey Shows Nearly Half of Cellular Calls Originate From Cars |
| Analysts to Examine Future Trends of Wireless and Mobile Computing During Gartner Symposium/ITxpo 2001 |
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STAMFORD, CONN., October 1, 2001 -- In a recent nationwide survey conducted by Gartner, Inc. (NYSE: IT and ITB), respondents indicated that an average of 49.5 percent of their cellular phone calls were placed from their cars while driving. In addition, 88 percent of respondents claimed they were somewhat to extremely concerned about drivers holding cellular phones in moving automobiles.
"Mobile phones give people a sense of security and added convenience, and are becoming an inherent part of people's lives," said Phillip Redman, research director for Gartner's networking group. "Companies need to educate their employees on the risks of using cell phones in their cars. We tell clients who purchase mobile phones for their employees to stress to these workers that the company does not condone the use of these phones while driving." The use of mobile phones in cars has been well-publicized of late. Some reports indicate that accidents directly correlated to the use of cellular phones by drivers are on the rise. New York State was the first to ban holding (but not using) cellular phones by drivers, and over 30 states have similar legislation pending. Although about half of cellular calls are placed from cars, Gartner analysis indicates that this number has decreased in the past few years as handheld phones dominate over car phone installations. According to Gartner's most recent survey, the home is the second most popular origin for cellular calls (at 18.6 percent), followed by the office (at 7.1 percent). Other locations -- including airports, restaurants and hotels -- account for a combined average of 24.8 percent of cell phone call origins, the survey indicates. Further Gartner analysis on the mobile and wireless industry will be presented at Gartner Symposium/ITxpo, which runs from October 5 through October 12 in Orlando, Fla. The conference will also include a Wireless Access and Mobile Business Pavilion highlighting the critical products and services needed to meet the challenges of the next waves of the Internet. Gartner Symposium/ITxpo is the IT industry's largest and most strategic conference, providing business leaders with a look today at the future of IT. For more information, see http://www.gartner.com/symposium. About Gartner, Inc. Gartner, Inc. is a research and advisory firm that helps more than 10,000 clients understand technology and drive business growth. Gartner's divisions consist of Gartner Research, Gartner Consulting, Gartner Measurement and Gartner Events. Founded in 1979, Gartner is headquartered in Stamford, Conn. and has 4,600 associates, including 1,400 research analysts and consultants, in more than 80 locations worldwide. The company achieved fiscal 2000 revenue of $855 million. For more information, visit www.gartner.com. |
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Contact: Danielle Westling Gartner 203-316-6754 danielle.westling@gartner.com |
