Skip to main content

Mobile Data Service Confronts WiFi Hotspot

Sales of mobile data cards, which enable broadband access in portable computers via a service provider's mobile data network, are forecast by Infonetics Research to nearly quadruple between 2007 and 2011, when they will reach $2.9 billion.

According to Infonetics' new market study, these mobile data cards could threaten the WiFi hotspot market as HSDPA and EV-DO-based mobile broadband becomes more available, more affordable, and a higher performance choice.

However, given that a growing number of public Wi-Fi hotspots already offer free internet access, I would suggest that Wi-Fi still has the clear advantage.

"The mobile data services market is becoming more competitive, as mobile operators try to recoup their investments in 3G networks and drive up flattening ARPU (average revenue per user)," said Richard Webb, directing analyst for WiMAX, WiFi and mobile at Infonetics Research.

"Currently, mobile data services are generally too expensive for mass market adoption, but that will change with the increasingly extensive rollout of high speed HSDPA, the launch of new data plans offering increased download limits, and better subsidies for mobile data cards. The iPhone has proven that if the user experience is right, users will take advantage of mobile devices for Internet sessions."

As mobile data plans become more affordable, the report says, consumers will use mobile data cards to enable download of Internet-based content (MP3s, games, video clips) to mobile devices and for transferring user-generated content (photos, video clips, etc.). A small proportion of consumers will use a mobile data plan as their primary means of broadband access.

Other highlights from the Infonetics study include:

- Worldwide mobile subscribers topped 3 billion in 2007.

- Worldwide mobile data subscribers will accelerate dramatically over the next few years, reaching 144 million by 2011.

- Worldwide sales of smartphones reached $36.7 billion in 2007.

- Sales of mobile broadband routers are forecast to nearly quadruple between 2007 and 2011.

- In 2007, Nokia continued its strong lead in the mobile phone market, with 35 percent of worldwide revenue share, followed by Samsung and Motorola.

Popular posts from this blog

Industrial and Manufacturing Technology Growth

In an evolving era of rapid advancement, market demand for innovative technology in the industrial and manufacturing sectors is skyrocketing. Leaders are recognizing the immense potential of digital transformation and are driving initiatives to integrate technologies into their business operations.  These initiatives aim to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ultimately drive growth and competitiveness in an increasingly digital business upward trajectory. The industrial and manufacturing sectors have been the backbone of the Global Networked Economy, contributing $16 trillion in value in 2021. Industrial and Manufacturing Tech Market Development   This growth represents a 20 percent increase from 2020, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of these sectors in the face of unprecedented challenges, according to the latest worldwide market study by ABI Research . The five largest manufacturing verticals -- automotive, computer and electronic, primary metal, food, and machinery -

Rise of AI-Enabled Smart Traffic Management

The demand for smart traffic management systems has grown due to rising urban populations and increasing vehicle ownership. With more people and cars concentrated in cities, problems like traffic congestion, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions are pressing issues. Since the early 2000s, government leaders have been exploring ways to leverage advances in IoT connectivity, sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics to address these transportation challenges. The concept of a Smart City emerged in the 2010s, with smart mobility and intelligent traffic management as key components.  Smart Traffic Management Market Development Concerns about continued climate change, as well as cost savings from improved traffic flow, have further motivated local government investment in these advanced systems. According to the latest worldwide market study by Juniper Research, they found that by 2028, smart traffic management investment will be up by 75 percent from a 2023 figure of

How Generative AI Will Reshape the Economy

The Global Networked Economy -- a term synonymous with the interconnectedness of businesses, individuals, and governments worldwide -- has undergone a remarkable transformation in 2023. Fueled by the rapid growth of digital technologies and the global internet, this phenomenon has given rise to a worldwide marketplace that has already revolutionized the way we live, work, and play. The impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in 2024 will be equally disruptive to many traditional business leaders. GenAI will also create huge opportunities for the fearless pioneers. Global Networked Economy Market Development The Global Networked Economy's evolution traces back to the advent of the Public Internet. The introduction of eCommerce, social media, and cloud computing has been instrumental in reshaping how businesses operate and engage with their customers. This interconnected ecosystem empowers savvy leaders to access new markets, trim operational costs, enhance commercial e