Kid Mobile Phones and Standalone Devices: An Emerging Global Market

Implications: 1. Cingular and Verizon are simply repositioning, realizing this lucrative market.
2. Kids, parents, stores, distributors, mobile operators, MVNOs, mobile device manufacturers are interested, and some salivating, in this emerging large global market.

Analysis: My 10 year old wants a mobile phone, but her daddy and mommy have said no thus far.  We said, wait till you turn 11 or 12...  Dah!  In our heart and mind, we want the added security of her owning one in case of emergencies and for educational purposes. 

It is a matter of time that almost all teenagers, most preteens, and some late primary school kids carry a mobile device or 2.

Being in the education and training service business that intersects the Internet, mobile/wireless, and new media sectors in China and soon internationally including the U.S., I see the kids market segment as a delicious one.  

Don't be surprised of a brewing trend of specialized mobile or standalone devices that serve voice and special targeted needs such as children education or training in popular areas.

As a contrast, in China, "Hao Ji Xin" is a device that helps people/kids help improve language abilities.  It has sold tens of millions of units the past few years.  And "luxury" or handheld devices in China are sold at price levels no less than U.S. absolute prices.

This means opportunities for application developers, manufacturers, mobile operators, MVNOs, distribution channels,...benefiting and reaching into more wallets of parents, kids...consumers.