High-tech Gadgets Outnumber People in the U.S.

High-tech devices outnumber people in the United States, the industry group CTIA - The Wireless Association reported Tuesday. Wireless subscriber connections reached 327.6 million, surpassing for the first time the U.S. population of 315.5 million.

Simply put, that means there are 327.6 million active phones, computer tablets and laptops on cellular networks. The number, up 9 percent from January, was higher than the U.S. headcount, which included the 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam.

Gadgets outpace people, of course, because many Americans own more than one device. In some instances they have one mobile phone for personal use and another for business use, plus a laptop for work.

"I believe in a separation of church and state. ... My work doesn't need to know who I am calling on my personal time," The Washington Post quoted Sylvia Aguilera, who owns an iPhone, Blackberry and Verizon Wireless laptop.

Another reason behind the rapid rise in number of gadgets is the expansion of the devices' market base. Children are getting cellphones at younger ages, while older people have started to adapt to smartphones and computer tablets.

Despite the economic slowdown in the U.S., sales of devices continue to rise, perhaps even bolstered by last week's death of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. Lower price tags for the gadgets have made them affordable even as many Americans struggle financially.

Once example is the recent launch by Amazon of the Kindle Fire tablet for $200, which is less than half the price of an iPad.

"The standard line was that people would rather shut off their refrigerator than their television set.... Now, wireless is probably the service at the top of every list," Sanford Bernstein analyst Craig Moffett told Washington Post.

"CTIA's semi-annual survey proves that Americans love wireless and continue to rely on the most cutting-edge and innovative devices and services in the world. Clearly, we're using wireless more every day, and the consensus of experts is that demand will continue to skyrocket by more than 50 times within the next five years," CTIA President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Largent said.