Global mobile phone sales see downturn: IDC

San Francisco, Dec 19: How could global economic crisis not affect the mobile phones? Global mobile phone sales have slid for the first time since 2001 as a result of the global economic crisis, market research firm IDC Corp has forecast.

The report predicted on Thursday, Dec 18 that total mobile phone sales will fall 1.9 per cent in 2009 after several years of double-digit annual growth fuelled largely by demand in now spluttering emerging markets.

According to IDC, the expected growth in 2008 is 7.8 per cent.

The company said it did not expect the downturn to continue past 2009, with the market in 2010 showing signs of revival as the economic recovery takes effect.

However sales of smartphones that function as mobile internet and media devices will weather the cell phone storm, IDC said.

Smartphone sales will grow 8.9 per cent in 2009 with growth returning to double-digit gains thereafter as consumers appreciate their lower prices and improved functionality.

"Converged mobile devices remain a much sought-after option for many consumers," said Ramon Llamas, the group's senior analyst of mobile devices technology and trends.

"Users have come to realise what these devices can do beyond voice telephony, especially when it comes to running applications. In response, handset vendors have been building their products to catch this wave of opportunity."

OneIndia News (With inputs from Agencies)