Prevalence of Cell Phone Sharing

Abstract

With the growing mobile-only population landline telephone surveys are increasingly complemented by mobile phone interviews using a dual frame approach. Typically it is assumed that a mobile phone is a personal device solely used by one individual. Even though several articles dealt with the eventuality that several persons may be reached when calling a mobile phone number, respondent selection procedures are currently not implemented. This paper provides further insight into this phenomenon. Using data from a 2010/11 survey conducted in the German cell phone population mobile phone sharing was examined indicating noteworthy prevalence rates. The sharing population also differed to the non-sharing population with respect to sociodemographic variables. Results are discussed in light of potential consequences for field work.