For the first time, there are now significantly more mobile phones than people in the UK. Ofcom statistics show there are 76.4 million handsets in use across the country's 61.9 million population.
The figures only count those in active use, not those sitting in the back of drawers getting dusty. Although more than 90% of adults have a phone, that means that a huge number of people have multiple handsets, often one for work and one for personal use.
Around 27% of adults own a smartphone, of which half bought a handset in the past year. Given the average two-year contract on new purchases, that suggests the vast majority of smartphone owners are upgrading as soon as they get the chance.
Mobile phones aren't just an optional extra for some people any more. Around 14% say they've ditched a landline completely, while around 7% use their phone in place of a computer for internet and e-mail access.
