A New Hue of the Cell Phone-Only Landscape: Demographic Characteristics of Landline Cord Cutters New to “Cell Phone-Only”
Abstract:
A growing number of Americans with diverse telephone service histories are considering giving up their household landline phone access and planning to use cell phones exclusively. While previous studies on cell phone-only individuals have documented consistent trends in demographics such as in age (younger), place (urban), residency ownership (rent) and income (lower), little is known about the demographics of those who are cutting the landline telephone cord in favor of cell phone-only status. In this paper, we draw upon data obtained from adult members of the Gallup Panel, who are recruited using random-digit-dial (RDD) sample drawn from a landline telephone frame, but who have since switched their household telephone service from a landline to a cell phone. Specifically, we compare and contrast demographic characteristics of these individuals with the cell phone-only prevalence estimates from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) as a frame of reference. Results indicate that panel members who are cell phone-only are less racially and ethnically diverse, and are more likely to own their homes and to be married than typical cell phone-only adults. Furthermore, members who have disconnected their landline service in the last 12 months tend to be older and are more likely to be married than those who have been cell phone-only longer.
Recommended Citation:
Rao, K., Kennedy, C., & Buskirk, T. D. (2008). A New Hue of the “Cell Phone-Only” Landscape: Demographic Characteristics of Landline Cord Cutters New to Cell Phone-Only. Paper presented at the American Association of Public Opinion Research, New Orleans.
Attached Documents:
- AAPOR 2008 Program (see page #26 for the mention)
- AAPOR 2008 Demo Chars Paper