Band 9: The graph below shows consumers’ average annual expenditure on cell phone, national and international fixed-line and services in America between 2001 and 2010.

The line graph illustrates the average yearly spending patterns of American consumers on cell phone services and both national and international fixed-line services from 2001 to 2010.

Overall, there is a notable divergence in the expenditure trends for these three categories; cell phone services see a significant increase, while national fixed-line services exhibit a marked decline, whereas spending on international fixed-line services remains stable.

Focusing on the expenditure on cell phone services, there is a prominent upward trajectory observed throughout the decade. In 2001, consumers spent approximately $200 annually on these services. However, this figure progressively escalated, culminating in an excess of $700 by 2010. This growth may reflect the increasing reliance on mobile communication and advancements in technology that enhanced the appeal of cell phones.

In contrast, the spending on national fixed-line services reveals a stark downward trend. Starting at $700 in 2001, expenditure in this category decreased significantly to around $350 by 2010. This reduction indicates a shift in consumer preferences, likely influenced by the rising popularity of mobile phones. Lastly, expenditure on international fixed-line services has remained fairly stable, hovering around $200 throughout the entire period, suggesting that consumers have maintained a consistent level of spending on these services despite fluctuations in other areas of expenditure.