Global cell phone market grows 16%

The results of one global report on the status of the cell phone industry were released over the weekend, and helped paint a rosier picture than anyone expected. Last month, a Reuters poll of market analysts pointed to worldwide growth of less than 10%; however, this new analysis places that figure at 16%, based on strong demand in Asia and Africa. When all is said and done, according to the researchers at Gartner, worldwide cell phones will number 1.15 billion.

The volume of cell phone sales has increased by at least 20% annually since 2002; this year appears to lag a bit by that standard, but the wireless trend continues to spiral upward.

Other data included in the study: Motorola, the leading cell phone manufacturer in the United States, saw its global share drop slightly, while Nokia continued its international success by claiming 35.7% of the market. Sony Ericsson and Samsung maintained healthy positions in the top five.