31 December 2008
It sees UK consumers really are addicted to their mobiles - so much so that many have more than one handset.
Research carried out by Mintel reveals that the average consumer in the UK now owns 1.8 mobile phones.
Mintel expects this figure to increase to two mobiles per person by 2009 as more people acquire second or even third phones.
The market research firm said the desire to have separate handsets for work and for personal use is one factor driving take-up.
Increased competition among mobile operators and the offers available to consumers as a result is also playing a part, it suggested.
Jim Clark, a senior analyst at Mintel, said: "As purse strings tighten, it seems the one thing that the nation is not prepared to cut back on is the mobile phone."
Even those short of cash do not have to sacrifice their phones as Carphone Warehouse recently began offering credit crunch mobiles for just £2.88 on a pay-as-you-go basis.
To find a mobile phone deal that will save you money, compare prices online.