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Imagine living in a world never without compact disc players, ATMs or cable television. Throw in the use of instant messaging, two-way pagers and Palm Pilots and you've got the demographic that wireless companies covet: Young adults.
People between the ages of 18 and 25 represent big bucks for companies offering a cadre of telecommunication options.
"We have identified the young adult market as a highly untapped market," said John O'Malley, spokesperson for Verizon Wireless. "This group represents $155 billion in buying power and is more tech-savvy because they have grown up with the Internet and greater access to technology. This past fall we rebranded our prepaid wireless for that age segment. For them it's not a novelty. Cell phones are everywhere. It gives them a greater degree of freedom to stay in touch with friends."
O'Malley said young people are used to text messaging and the abbreviated language that goes along with it.
"Walk around the mail and you'll see more and more kids talking on their phones and messaging each other," he said. "That's the way technology evolves and becomes a part of the mainstream. Wireless is a prime example. The parents appreciate the fact that some of these young adults have a way staying in touch. There's a lot of piece of mind that goes with it."
Al Walters, president of Stereo Advantage, said young...