The latest research shows that more and more people use their ringtones as a fashion statement. Countless companies are growing up to cater for this need and the music industry is taking note. However caution needs to be given for those wishing to purchase ringtones from the internet. In a recent survey, 36% said they had been mislead by a ringtone provider at least once.

Despite this, the ringtone business is set to become a multi dollar business within the next 3 years. Already in Europe more people bought ringtones last year than CD singles. This craze is only expanding with advances in mobile phone technology, which allows consumers to listen to MP3 quality ringtones on their mobile. The most popular being TV shows and films. These new tehnologies are allowing consumers to customise their phone like never before. Not only ringtones but wallpaper and logos etc. The list is endless.

This is especially true of teenagers who make up the bulk of ringtone consumers. To a teenager a ringtone is not a way for you to know that your phone is ringing but a fashion statement. It tells who you are to others around you, on the bus, in the street, where ever it may be. Its like wearing sports wear or "grunge", it tells people who you are and what you stand for.

So what started out to be a "fad" might turn out to stay with us. Who can predict what will be the next "fad" in the mobile market.