Mobile sales continue to grow

The global mobile market shows no sign of slowing, according to the latest market report by Gartner.

According to the research firm's latest mobile study, sales of handsets across the globe rose by 15 per cent during the third quarter, compared to the previous year.

Carolina Milanesi, a research director at Gartner, said of the results: "Even though relatively few models were introduced this quarter, overall sales exceeded expectations.

"Mobile phone sales were mainly driven by strong performances in Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe, the middle east and Africa."

In western Europe, sales increased by 14.9 per cent, driven by replacement sales.

Looking forward, Gartner predicts that the fourth quarter of the year will bring sustained growth. Compared to the latest results, the analyst expects sales to be between ten per cent and 15 per cent higher, pushing global total sales for the whole year to more than 1.1 billion. A strong final quarter is also predicted for western Europe.

Of the particular brands, Finnish firm Nokia was found to be the world's most popular manufacturer over the third quarter, claiming 110.2 million sales.

Also among the best performers were Samsung, Motorola, Sony Ericsson and LG.

One of Nokia's most striking new handsets is the 6500, which can be bought in two models - classic and slide.