Handset Recycling and Refurbishment

Impact on Primary Handset Sales and Opportunities for Mobile Operators, Handset Vendors, Recycling Companies and Retailers

In 2007, over 60% of all handsets sold worldwide are likely to be replacements. These high handset replacement sales also mean that large numbers of old handsets are lying around with users. They can be recycled for reuse. In addition, there are also handsets that customers return to operators and retailers within the accepted 14-day or 1-month period, for refund or a new replacement. These devices are generating a growing market for recycled and refurbished handsets. Using second-hand units, operators are able to start generating profits on low margin accounts much more quickly rather than having to wait to recover subsidies on new handsets.

This study focuses on the growing market for recycled and refurbished handsets and the opportunities and challenges it offers for handset vendors, mobile operators, recycling companies, and retailers.

What Does This Report Answer?
- What are the key drivers, barriers, and latest trends influencing the market for recycled and refurbished handsets?
- What are the high-level business and marketing issues, and critical considerations for addressing the market for recycled and refurbished handsets?
- How big is the market for recycled and refurbished handsets?
- Who are the key industry players and with what initiatives do they address the market for handset recycling and refurbishment?
- What market opportunities exist for mobile operators, handset vendors, recycling companies and retailers.
- Why should handset vendors consider the demand for recycled and refurbished handsets as an opportunity and not a threat?
- What impact can recycled and refurbished handsets have on mobile operators’ subscriber acquisition costs?
- Where are the key markets for recycled and refurbished handsets and opportunities in developed and emerging markets?
- What processes are involved wit recycling, refurbishment and ethical disposal of handsets?
- What impact do legislation and environmental concerns have on the recycling, refurbishment and ethical disposal of handsets?
- What initiatives have vendors undertaken in the design and manufacturing of handsets?
- What is the impact of recycled and refurbished handsets on the primary mobile phone market?
- The second-hand mobile phone market?
- What are handsets return channels, and what are the benefits and drawbacks of outsourcing?

Who Needs This Report?
- Handset vendors
- Mobile operators and MVNOs
- Handset recycling companies
- ODMS and OEMS
- Trade associations
- Distributors and retailers of mobile handsets and accessories
- Financial institutions involved with mobile communications
- Venture capitalists and other investors

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