Asia-Pacific mobile phone sales up 24% in 2004

Mobile phone sales in Asia Pacific grew 24% in 2004 compared to 2003, led by demand for low-tier handsets, according to Gartner. 164 mln mobile phones were sold in the region in 2004, up from 133 mln in 2003. Nokia maintained its #1 position in the Asia Pacific, with total sales at 50.6 mln in 2004, or 30.8% market share. Samsung Electronics was #2, with a 17.1% market share on sales of 28.2 mln and Motorola took third spot, with 11.3% market share on sales of 18.6 mln.