New Laws Drive Wireless Headset Sales

Since the law banning usage of handheld cellphones while driving was in place July 1st, there has been a spike in wireless headset sales.  Demand had been so robust for hands-free headsets that the Verizon Wireless store in San Mateo, California had added a whole new section for the devices.

The ban has caused Bright to raise his estimate for Plantronics' June quarter earnings by a penny, to 35 percent a share, in anticipation of the law taking effect. Plantronics expects a sales boost in California for the second and third quarters, says spokesman Dan Race.

Other Bluetooth manufacturers poised to benefit include Motorola; GN Netcom, maker of the Jabra line of headsets; and AliphCom, maker of the Jawbone, which retails for about $130.