Optimistic Forecast: Smartphones Sales Grow 11 Percent In 2009

New research findings on the future of smartphone sales in 2009 depends whether you are a glass half-full or half-empty person. Hardware research firm iSuppli announced sales of Apple’s iPhone and other smarthphones could rise 11 percent or 192 million handsets this year, if companies make the right moves.

“Wireless network operators must cut fees for data services and offer aggressive subsidies to reduce consumer smart phone prices,” according to iSuppli senior analyst Tina Teng.

Some of Teng’s suggestions may already be considered by Apple and its carrier partners. Apple reportedly is mulling the idea of introducing multi-tiered pricing to replace the current one size fits all data plan. Apple may also be set to introduce a lower-cost iPhone, which could spur more sales, analysts have recently told clients.

However, if Apple and carriers remain on course and do nothing, Teng expects smartphone sales to increase by just six percent in 2009, amounting to 189 devices sold this year.

Depending on whether the optimistic or pessimistic outlook prevails, the smartphone segment could comprise 17.4 percent or 16.6 percent of all handsets sold in 2009, according to iSuppli.

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