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"Operators and distributors continued to top up their inventories in 1Q 2008 after a particularly strong 4Q 2007," says ABI Research vice president Jake Saunders, adding that "Mobile devices have proved to be a lifestyle necessity, rather than a mere luxury accessory".
However, despite all the global concern about price inflation in food, rent, clothing, oil, and utility bills, says the report, "device manufacturers are not benefiting", adding that the ASP (Average Selling Price) has shown "comprehensive price erosion for all manufacturers".
The report showed that in the market-share stakes, Nokia increased its share to 39.9 per cent while Samsung and LG were also net winners with 16 per cent and 8.4 per cent, respectively. Motorola continued to lose market share (falling 2.6 per cent) to 9.5 per cent, while it was more of a surprise that Sony Ericsson lost market share (down to 7.7 per cent).
