They're more than just a buzzing nuisance in movie theaters and restaurants. A new study suggests cell phones are now the communication technology of choice worldwide.

According to a U.N. report, six in 10 people across the globe now use mobile phones, particularly in developing countries. The International Telecommunication Union says by the end of last year, there were an estimated 4.1 billion subscribers globally. In 2002, there were about 1 billion. And developing countries now account for about two-thirds of cell phones in use.

Fixed line subscriptions have increased at a much slower pace. The agency says the figures represent "a clear shift" to mobile technology. It also reports Internet use has more than doubled. An estimated 23 percent of people on the planet used the Internet last year, up from 11 percent in 2002.