Most consumers want to use a single wireless device with multiple capabilities built into the handset, but the majority still carry redundant wireless devices, according to a recent report.

Research firm In-Stat said that more than 15 per cent of people carry two wireless phones. 

"Eighty per cent of people who have a camera-phone regularly carry a digital camera, 75 per cent of smartphone users also carry a PDA, and more than 50 per cent of multimedia phone users also carry an MP3 player," said In-Stat analyst Bill Hughes.

"It is important to understand this customer behaviour if the wireless industry is to offer commercially successful solutions."

The In-Stat survey found that only 43 per cent of respondents, all of whom are business users, stated that higher productivity would be obtained with a smartphone.

In addition, many wireless users consider the additional capabilities offered with a wireless device to be a gift for becoming or remaining a subscriber, and not as a tool that is enhanced with real-time data.

Almost half the respondents believe that they will carry fewer devices by owning a smartphone.