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Last American (Wireless) Virgin

Phones aimed at kids allow parents to set limits on texts, turn off the device during school hours or block calls from bullies.

By Daniel McGinn | NEWSWEEK
Published Jul 12, 2008
From the magazine issue dated Jul 21, 2008

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  • Posted By: theora55 @ 08/13/2008 10:57:50 AM

    Comment: I want a cellphone more function, and I couldn't care about a designer's version of looks or trendiness. I like the FM radio, MP3 player and camera, but the buttons on my phone are poorly designed and hard to use, because they were designed for looks.

    I want better volume on the handset and headset.

    I dropped my landline and I want a mobile phone that can be plugged into a base station for charging that will also ring & flash to show incoming calls, so I don't have to wear the phone all the time. Even better, a base station with a good wireless handset that's more comfortable to use.

    I'm over 50, and love the features, but need additional features that meet my needs.

  • Posted By: ticotexan @ 07/23/2008 9:23:37 PM

    Comment: I live in Costa Rica and my monthly cell phone bill is usually less than $8 month. Why is it so much cheaper here than the USA? How can they (the country) provide this service so cheaply?

    OR maybe the USA cell providers are grossly overcharging???

  • Posted By: DeltaDarlin @ 07/23/2008 2:23:30 PM

    Comment: What many of you seem to be overlooking is that cell phone numbers are NOT published; therefore, ONLY people you allow to have your number may call you. Just because you have a cell phone to use in case your car plunges down a ravine with you in it, or you have a blow-out on a deserted stretch of highway and no spare tire, doesn't mean that you have to be constantly yoked to your entire group of family, friends, or co-workers. If you need minimal services, great..... buy only minimal services. If you don't want the phone to ring, then don't give out your number or use your cell to call others unless absolutely necessary. but don't discount the advantage of having a means of emergency communication. Remember, many... and likely most... land lines today are serviced by wireless phones, which will not work if the electricity is out. Cells don't have to rule your life just because you have one with you: it's called self-discipline, folks. The option to give out your number is yours.

  • Posted By: GeorginaKlanica @ 07/22/2008 9:33:51 AM

    Comment: Tip - Get your hands on an old cell phone. BY LAW all cells phones, even though those without contracts or other paid time on them, must connect too 9-1-1 when dialed. That takes care of the "you need one for emergencies" group, and even better, it's FREE!

    I think the Body Shop collects old cell phones for women in shelters or others sxcaping abusive husbands can have one on hand to call emergency services to deal with stalking, violation of restraining orders, child kidnapping, break-ins, etc.

  • Posted By: archmsu @ 07/19/2008 3:12:36 AM

    Comment: They'll be the only ones who don't get brain tumers. Aside from business uses, it's for mindless people with mindless conversations and safety nazis.

  • Posted By: EffYou @ 07/18/2008 5:33:19 PM

    Comment: I like those Kajeet phones for kids. Those are real, functional cell phones, not toys like the Firefly.

  • Posted By: BaRbArIaN1 @ 07/18/2008 10:27:55 AM

    Comment: I don't want a life so complicated that I need to be reachable at all times. I have an answering machine, its good enough. I'm very computer literate and have a degree in physics, so I understand the technology and the convenience yet I decline to pay that much for what to me is an annoyance.

  • Posted By: BaRbArIaN1 @ 07/18/2008 10:27:24 AM

    Comment: I don't want a life so complicated that I need to be reachable at all times. I have an answering machine, its good enough. I'm very computer literate and have a degree in physics, so I understand the technology and the convenience yet I decline to pay that much for what to me is an annoyance.

  • Posted By: Starstuff @ 07/18/2008 9:31:43 AM

    Comment: Wow, I am pleased that there are some others that reject cell hell. I once went to a party hosted by the engineering group at a Ritz Carlton where I worked. After having two fairly interesting conversation with a couple of engineers interrupted by their cells, I moved on to find others to talk to. Looking around the room I noticed that about half of the people there were talking to someone on their cells. I saw a particular engineer I wanted to talk to so I pulled out my cell and called him across the room. I interrupted his conversation with another engineer and felt very satisfied!!!

  • Posted By: FirstZebra @ 07/17/2008 10:35:18 PM

    Comment: Personally, I hate the G.D things. It's just another way of screwing the publick into thinking it's a necessity!
    Next year they will be grafting the phucking things onto dumba$$ americans heads!

  • Posted By: Astrix @ 07/17/2008 9:44:18 PM

    Comment: And here I thought I was the only financially secure adult left in the USA who did not have a cell phone out of my own choice . . . nice to see there's a lot of us out there, even if we didn't rate discussion in the article. I used to have a cell instead of a landline but once I got married that didn't work, since my husband didn't want a cell either.

  • Posted By: Renee16 @ 07/17/2008 6:55:03 PM

    Comment: I second Starstuff - I am connected and technologically savvy in most other ways, but I like the idea that there is maybe 15% of my life that cannot be reached by the outside world. With the thousands of demands for my attention, I don't need a jazzy ringtone erupting from the depths of my handbag or backpack or car console.

    And my friends who can't have a conversation without texting two other people? Jeez. We have forgotten how to focus our attention.

    Let's start a movement - reject your cell phone - live free!

    • Posted By: Starstuff @ 07/18/2008 9:41:54 AM

      Comment: Kudos to you Renee16. A brave and independent person... Let the No Cell revolution begin!!!

  • Posted By: BrownFoxNine @ 07/17/2008 5:03:20 PM

    Comment: Sounds like a pretty cool phone to me!
    www.FireMe.To/udi

  • Posted By: tylerbee @ 07/17/2008 3:47:30 PM

    Comment: lol nice article... too bad it doesnt include the people who'd rather invest there money in the stock market than flush it down a toilet.

  • Posted By: Starstuff @ 07/17/2008 1:35:05 PM

    Comment: In regards to my earlier comment, I would add that I am not elderly, juvenile, poor, have bad credit. I am saddened to see so many people believe that they must be connected by cell phones. The old phones work just fine and I have the internet to learn of all the bad news. I am financially secure and finding some peace on this planet is getting harder to do. The last thing I need is a $300 cell phone and ten tears down the road realizing that I have spent 10,000 dollars or more yaking on the phone!

  • Posted By: Starstuff @ 07/17/2008 1:03:17 PM

    Comment: I have become a member of a very small group of "excellulars". I am no longer slave to these electronic yokes and I am a thousand dollars a year richer (that was a basic plan). I cannot be summoned at a moments notice and I do not need the everywhere anytime communication anymore. I am not a danger behind the wheel with my mind somewhere else. I do not rudely interrupt a conversation to answer my phone. I do not poke a little eye straining keys to text anyone, I do not need or download ring tones silly games or music, Now I am really better connected naturally, than I was before....

  • Posted By: mrkid72 @ 07/17/2008 10:16:56 AM

    Comment: Are these statistics real? Is the 85% "market penetration" just like the >100% "market penetration" in Europe and Asia? Or do 85% of the people in the US really have a cell phone? And which people? Surely they aren't counting newborns in this statistic, but Mr. McGinn doesn't indicate what the cutoff age is for the statistic. So, do "Nearly 1 in 7 Americans Still Lack Cell Phones", or is this one of those manipulated statistics to try to get people to click on the article?

  • Posted By: KennyF @ 07/17/2008 9:39:43 AM

    Comment: Here's another issue. Cell companies have a bunch of add-ons text fees, web browsing fees, all of which add up to big bills for consumers. Maybe they would do better not trying to get top fee dollars for otions that are free in Europe. Maybe if they weren't so greedy they would have more coverage.

  • Posted By: annalicia @ 07/17/2008 2:24:47 AM

    Comment: Um...I am NOT a prison inmate, NOT elderly, do NOT have bad credit, and NOT a child. I am simply someone who doesn't believe those who say "I have one in case of emergencies." Give me a break. Although they do get used for emergencies, 95 percent of their use seems to be those who are shopping and can't stand being alone for 2 minutes, or commuters at 6 AM (who the hell are they talking to at 6 AM?)

  • Posted By: mgb1unc @ 07/17/2008 1:21:34 AM

    Comment: Why is it so hard to believe or understand that some folks simply do not want a cell phone?
    While some people may not be able to afford one, some of us really do not want one. Really.

  • Posted By: mgb1unc @ 07/17/2008 1:19:15 AM

    Comment: Why is it so hard to believe that some folks just don't want a cell phone? While there are some people who simply can't afford one, some of us really just don't want one. Really.

  • Posted By: bethesda39 @ 07/16/2008 11:23:45 PM

    Comment: I still don't have a cell phone and don't see any reason to get one. Why pay for two phones? I don't fall into any of those categories either, although I do try to save money any way I can.

  • Posted By: bethesda39 @ 07/16/2008 11:22:42 PM

    Comment: I don't have a cell phone, don't want one, and do not fall into any of those categories. female, 40, employed, artist, library tech. go figure.

  • Posted By: faemike55 @ 07/16/2008 9:39:43 PM

    Comment: I agree with PrairieGhost on the issue of why he doesn't own one, I too believe that they are nothing more than an "electronic leash" that everyone else can jerk around to get your attention. If people cannot wait until I get home to call me, send me an email, or at a last resort a letter via snail mail, they will just have to do without contacting me. What really bothers me is the employment applications now have a slot for your cell phone number. The absolutely last thing I would want to have is my boss calling me on my cell phone when I'm away on vacation or the weekend.
    No Thank You.
    You can count me as the extreme hold-out when it comes to the cell phone revolution.

  • Posted By: PrairieGhost @ 07/16/2008 8:36:44 PM

    Comment: They forgot another group of "holdouts"--the paranoid or disinterested. My father refuses to consider owning a cell phone because he says you can legally monitor any cell-phone call without seeking authorization first. Then there's me--I don't own a cell-phone because I don't see the point. Sure, it'd be good to have in an emergency, but the moment you get a cell-phone, everyone expects you to be on call 24/7, and heaven forbid you don't answer your own phone when they call! Beyond that, cell phones annoy me, just for their general pervasiveness in our culture and the irresponsible way so many people use them. I'd rather not be associated with them if I can avoid it.

  • Posted By: nato-d @ 07/16/2008 7:43:18 PM

    Comment: I guess I'm a whole different category. I'm a 20 year old college kid that doesn't see the point in being able to be contacted 24/7 or call someone anytime. I'm pretty sure I'm the only one if my fraternity that doesn't have one. I also don't like paying extra money for something I'm not likely to use all that much. Furthermore, after my mom and sister did get cell phones I continue to be appalled by charges with as little reason given as "data" or tax charges that were never mentioned when signing up. I still have no plans to get a cell phone, and plan on living my whole life without one.

  • Posted By: chowdog @ 07/16/2008 5:54:13 PM

    Comment: I do not need to be reached 24/7, have little to say if I am reached, and believe that public conversations between private parties is as risible as it is vulgar.

  • Posted By: BelieverOfOldFashionValues @ 07/16/2008 5:11:31 PM

    Comment: There may be another consideration. Have you been out and about these days? Many people have completely let go of their manners and respect for others and place way to much importance on these little items can be viewed as just plain discusting. I work with people who are plugged into them the whole time they are at work and then to deal with customers who are on them while you ring up there merchandise. I don't want to hear peoples rediculous conversations and I am a person behind the counter but these cell phones and peoples attachments to them forget that you are a person and you don't exist. I wonder how many of these cell phone users, who do gab on there phones get purposefully double charged for items just to see if you notice. I bet these people are so blinded by these items that they have no clue and by the time they do - it's to late to do anything.

  • Posted By: seysmith @ 07/16/2008 5:07:54 PM

    Comment: I have nothing against cellphones, but have really enjoyed my "2008 Cellphone-Free" year. I think that even the most connected people should at least try and go one or two months without a cell. It makes you plan ahead better, and it also makes you realize that there isn't always a need for instant answers. It has helped me get my priorities straight. As for the safety aspect of it. I live in Alaska and we have some of the most trecherous roads and wildlife scenarios, and having a cellphone isn't going to matter. You can't rely on cell service, you can rely on food, water, survival gear, and just good ol' commonsense!

  • Posted By: nocellnick @ 07/16/2008 4:57:22 PM

    Comment: I'll never own a cell phone, but I've happily accepted those that have been provided to me by my job. Why would anyone enslave themselves to a contract that's as cruel to consumers as a gym membership or a subprime loan?

  • Posted By: nocellnick @ 07/16/2008 4:56:11 PM

    Comment: I'll never ever own a cell phone. I'll happily take a cell phone that my job provides and I tried skype's wifi product with various success, but as far as enslaving myself into one of those contracts (that stink like a gym membership or subprime mortgage) - no thanks.

  • Posted By: cellfree @ 07/16/2008 2:57:08 PM

    Comment: They forgot a group; People who simply do not care to be "Hooked up" all the time, for my own convenience. I am in the constructions industry, and we are currently working on a Hospital Remodel. IF I were to have a Cell phone, some small thing would go wrong at 3:00 AM, and they would call me, and expect me to DO something about it. HA! Also, I do not have to worry about Random Sales calls during meetings. My friends just leave a message at my home phone and I call back or meet them. I am not "Working around it", I am enjoying my life without a cell hanging off my ear, constantly distracted from conversations with the people I am with at the time (How rude is that?). Humans lived for centuries without them and we managed to get along just fine, and so am I now.

  • Posted By: macgeek4evr @ 07/16/2008 2:46:54 PM

    Comment: A cell phone is just a tool and as with any tool, usage method is entirely up to the user. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater, people! LOL I've had a cell phone for 7 years and use it responsibly. Since mine is a also a PDA, its calendar fuctions as well as text messaging and internet access are invaluable. I've been able to look up phone numbers while out on the road, keep track of my teenagers and let others know I'm on my way or running late. Having a cell phone frees me up from being chained to my computer or home phone and it takes messages for me when I'm too busy to pick up the phone. I still prefer talking to people face to face but this is a terrific device that makes my life easier. BTW: When I'm on vacation all I do is turn it off.

  • Posted By: HollyMarie @ 07/16/2008 2:38:49 PM

    Comment: I ONLY own a cell phone. I'm surprised the article didn't talk about that. MANY of us 20-somethings are choosing to forego land lines altogether. For us, a cell phone is not an "extra luxury." It is our end-all, be-all of instant communication. Many of us, who are almost NEVER home except to sleep, see that it makes more sense to carry our phone line with us than to have one at home that we're never around to use.

  • Posted By: washchadblip @ 07/16/2008 2:20:52 PM

    Comment: I agree with Jack Prentiss. Why do so many people have one? Of course, there's the herd mentality. People will do whatever other people are doing. Just as girls were flashing their thongs a couple years back, boys today flash their boxers. Likewise, folks flash their cellphones. I'm a bit bored by people who constantly check their cellphones. The moment doesn't seem sufficient for them.

  • Posted By: jakshadows @ 07/16/2008 12:20:42 PM

    Comment: I actually HAD a cell phone and just got rid of it. I had too many problems with it and Sprint's customer service was too lax about my problems. The article should have another group: Those who felt forced to learn to do without one. The reason I had gotten one in the first place was for emergencies. When I tried to use after being in an accident, the phone was useless. Well, that negated the primary reason, so why put up with the hassle and the monthly bills when I couldn't use it when I needed it?

  • Posted By: ingy29 @ 07/16/2008 11:40:03 AM

    Comment: I think the cell phone ruins normal human interaction. I agree with those who say it helps make us a rude society. I have never needed or owned one and I too am college educated and credit worthy. The 6 out of 7 people who own one are too afraid of what they're missing rather than being interested in what's in front of them.

  • Posted By: ingy29 @ 07/16/2008 11:37:44 AM

    Comment: I think the cell phone interrupts normal human interaction and agree with all who say it helps make us a rude society. I have never needed one and I too am college educated and credit worthy. The 6 out of 7 people own cell phones own them because they're too afraid of what they might be missing rather than being interested in what's in front of them.

    • Posted By: RoniaH @ 07/16/2008 12:31:30 PM

      Comment: You think rather highly of yourself, or perhaps rather lowly of those of us with cellphones. I have a cellphone to stay connected with my Mother in Europe, my lover in Asia, and my partners in business. How exactly am I "afraid of what I might be missing"? Did it ever occur to you that some portion of that 86% don't view their cellphone as a substitute for life?

  • Posted By: OHWceta @ 07/16/2008 10:42:41 AM

    Comment: I used to hate the cellphone until I really used one. It's a handy device but I still only use it as a phone. Calls only. I don't need all these useless functions like the internet and IM on my phone, I have a computer for that. It's not a matter of whether the cellphone ruined our society or not, it's a matter of whether or not you get too in love with the little device. And marketing to kids!!!! Just awful! I've already stated that when I have kids they wont be allowed cellphones until they're old enough to get a job.

  • Posted By: tunedout @ 07/16/2008 10:28:54 AM

    Comment: You forgot those of us who see no need to have a cell phone (or does the fact that my husband have one mean I have one too?). I'm perfectly happy to miss calls, surf the internet using my home computer, and be out of touch when I'm on vacation!

  • Posted By: ezeddz @ 07/16/2008 10:19:50 AM

    Comment: Geez, how did civilization evolve without the freakin cell phone? Don't own one, don't need one, don't want one. It is turning us into a bunch of heads down,rude,obnoxious,self centered droids. Driving while on the cell is a great skill to master. Other than an actual emergency call these devices are ruining our civilities.

  • Posted By: ezeddz @ 07/16/2008 10:13:22 AM

    Comment: Geez, how the hell did mankind evolve without a freakin cell phone???? I don't own one, don't want one, don't need one. It is just turning us into a bunch of heads down, selfish, rude and obnoxious people when out in public. Worse than that is the drivers who think they can do it all while driving. Other than an emergency call worse invention for mankind.

  • Posted By: Dave A. @ 07/16/2008 8:48:15 AM

    Comment: I'm 42, educated, homeowner, good credit, and have NEVER had a cellphone! As for the 'emergency' argument, they're no help if you're 50 miles or more from a major city (the place where they'd REALLY help!).
    If someone comes out with a satellite phone that I can whip out in the middle of the Amazon rainforest or Outer Mongolia and make a call, AND it had UNLIMITED WORLDWIDE calling for $99 a month, I'd jump on that! Until then, I'll keep my iPod and my REAL digital camera (your phone doesn't have 10 MP and 12x optical zoom!)

  • Posted By: joyousone @ 07/16/2008 8:41:40 AM

    Comment: The utter rudeness that people exhibit by allowing their cell phones to interrupt their conversations with others, as well as to actually "check out" from what is going on around them with the call, has brought up a whole new need for "phone ediquette." It's most divisive to answer the phone when you are in the midst of a social situation.
    Jodi Marsh

  • Posted By: energy fields @ 07/16/2008 1:18:18 AM

    Comment: Many countries and the european Environmental Agency now warn against children and teeens using cellphones. The medical epidemiology is not there, showing cell phon use is linked to braincancers. See www.icems.eu. The reason not everyone is on "going wireless" is because this technology is not safe.

  • Posted By: energy fields @ 07/16/2008 1:15:33 AM

    Comment: Cell phones can caues brain cancer . That is why many countries advise children not use them at all and that teen have uses limited to public safety. The medical epidemiology is there to prove it , according to the International Commission for Electromagnetic Safety www.icems.eu in spite of thea the U.S. FDA and Morotola says. This may help explain why not everyone is embracing wireless technology.

  • Posted By: rando1017 @ 07/15/2008 8:20:17 PM

    Comment: Cell phones are a big pusher in us becoming a rude inconsiderate society. I can't go to the movies anymore without having to confront some moron who can't read the 'Please turn off your cell phones now' screen. I'll never own one.

  • Posted By: Average Jane @ 07/15/2008 8:52:23 AM

    Comment: Cell phone? No , thanks. I agree with Jack P., why DO nearly 6 out of 7 Americans have a cell phone?
    I'm college educated, credit-worthy, own my home, but getting along quite nicely without a cell phone.

  • Posted By: Jack Prentiss @ 07/15/2008 2:36:46 AM

    Comment: A better question is why nearly 6 out of 7 American HAVE Cell Phones, I think.

  • Posted By: Simplify @ 07/14/2008 9:45:16 PM

    Comment: I think your findings overlook another un-mobile group: we non-elderly, credit-worthy adults who choose not to have a cell phone ... yes, I'm the one! I've also lived 59 years without cable TV or a clothes dryer. And, yes, I need to request a TV converter coupon soon. My simple life is a great life! Please join me.

  • Posted By: healthyhope @ 07/14/2008 5:23:35 PM

    Comment: Consider the risk of brain tumors before purchasing a cell phone for your child or yourself.
    http://www.brain-surgery.us/mobph.pdf

  • Posted By: danielneal @ 07/14/2008 2:44:41 PM

    Comment: Great article. Although the research shows that nearly every kid wants a cell phone, we at kajeet don't believe that every kid should have one. That's a very personal decision each family makes on its own. As parents ourselves, we built a service families can customize to meet their special needs when they choose to get one. You can learn more at our blog: www.kajeet.com/blog. Daniel Neal, CEO & Founder, kajeet

  • Posted By: danielneal @ 07/14/2008 2:41:34 PM

    Comment: Great piece. Even though the research says that almost every kid wants a cell phone, we at kajeet don't believe every kid should have one. That's a very personal decision each family makes on its own. But, as parents ourselves, we set out to make it easier for parents to meet their special needs when they decide to try one for their child. You can learn more at www.kajeet.com/blog. Daniel Neal, CEO & Founder, kajeet

  • Posted By: ThePrairiePrankster @ 07/14/2008 2:24:14 PM

    Comment: I gave up my cell phone. I am not a high volume uses, no kids or spouse issues. I never used my cell very much in the 7 years I had one. Maybe 2 hours per month on average and for $54/month with taxes, it was expensive and not worth the coin. Maybe I will try one of the prepaid since it is a good idea to have a cell phone for emergencies. But the prepaid plans I looked at had my unused prepaid minutes expiring after 30 days which made them unattractive along with paying a minute charge for both inbound and outbound calls.

  • Posted By: PrepaidWirelessGuy @ 07/13/2008 5:15:41 PM

    Comment: Very good article. Although it's questionable whether some of these prepaid startups/MVNOs will survive, I believe that prepaid will flourish and become the more popular choice. With no contract and increasingly more competitive prices, prepaid is a fantastic option. It'll be interesting to see how this industry evolves in the next three years.

    Cheers,
    PrepaidWirelessGuy
    www.prepaid-wireless-guide.com

  • Posted By: PrepaidWirelessGuy @ 07/13/2008 5:13:13 PM

    Comment: Very good article. I happen to believe that although it's questionable whether some of these prepaid startups/MVNOs will survive in their current form, prepaid will not only survive, but will flourish, even if only with the larger carriers. It's a great option with increasingly competitive prices, and avoids signing a contract. I think the next 3 years or so will be very telling to see what people ultimately adopt.

    Cheers,
    PrepaidWirelessGuy
    www.prepaid-wireless-guide.com

 
 
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