Global mobile phone market fell 12.6 percent in Q4

Vendors shipped 289.0 million mobile phone units during the fourth quarter, 12.6 percent lower than the 330.8 million units shipped during the same period in 2007, IDC of Framingham reported.

For all of 2008, vendors shipped 1.18 billion units worldwide, 3.5 percent greater than the 1.14 billion units shipped during 2007, said IDC, a global provider of market intelligence.

   Ramon Llamas, senior research analyst with IDC's Mobile Devices Technology and Trends team, said i a statement. "A combination of weak end-user demand, currency volatility, and limited credit availability prevented the market from experiencing the usual seasonal increase in shipments. We expect the first half of 2009 to be very challenging as vendors and distributors grapple with clearing inventory."

   If there was one highlight in 2008, it was that the smart-phones segment, which grew 22.5 percent, IDC's Worldwide Mobile Phone Tracker report said.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)