Sprint PCS' new package unveiled earlier this week features a portfolio of products and services designed especially for teenagers, including a two-way messaging plan and a collection of wireless games.

"Wireless phone usage among teens has exploded overseas, reaching almost 90 percent penetration levels in some Nordic countries. Carriers, such as Sprint PCS, that offer attractive packages to teens will reap great benefits from targeting this high growth segment," said Knox Bricken, analyst with the Yankee Group.

Additionally, Teenage Research Unlimited Inc. estimates that nearly 20 percent of U.S. teens – 24 percent of girls, 15 percent of boys – own a wireless phone. The penetration is expected to double in the next year as another 18 percent of girls and 13 percent of boys acquire wireless phones.

Sprint PCS is seeking to tap into this high-growth area by offering tailored price plans and entertainment, said Chip Novick, Sprint PCS vice president of consumer marketing. "Teenagers around the world have led the meteoric adoption of wireless products and services," said Novick. "Sprint PCS recognizes this potential for customer penetration and retention in the teen market and as a result, we've designed a suite of real-time, real quick and real cool services."

Sprint PCS' teen package features a "monthly allowance" for wireless services, allowing parents to exercise control on spending. Also introduced: the Sprint PCS Payment Card from PreNet that converts the wireless allowance directly to electronic cash on an easy-to-use card. Once teens exceed the wireless allowance of $34.99 for the month, they can add more money to their account using the Sprint PCS Payment Card, which will be accepted at multiple retail locations nationwide, beginning with all RadioShack Stores.

The Sprint PCS Wireless "games" collection features content from providers Boxerjam, FunCaster.com, Froghop Inc., indiqu, Jamdat MOBILE, MysteryNet, and nGame Limited.

By targeting teens with a customized package, Sprint PCS – Sprint's wireless network – is emulating international carriers like Japan's NTT DoCoMo, Finland's Nokia, and Sweden's Ericsson, which already offer an array of wireless services that are popular with teens, including messaging and music downloads. Sprint's two-way messaging portfolio includes AOL Instant Messenger, Sprint PCS Short Mail, Wireless Chat, and Sprint PCS Mail on the Sprint PCS Wireless Web.